Ramadan begins

Yesterday evening at 4.42pm three loud canon shots announced the beginning of Ramadan - the muslim fasting month. The canon is on the hill just outside Herod's Gate which is directly behind where we stay (200 metres). That meant the muslims had to fast till sunset, which was just an hour later: at 5.52pm when another canon shot announced the breaking of the fast.

At 3am several boys with big drums create a racket to wake everyone up to eat before the fast begins with prayers at 4.15am and another canon shot. While we get very little sleep during these 30 days, I must say the best arabic cakes are made during this time and sold when the fast is broken every evening. There's my all time favourite Ktayyef which is walnuts and cheese wrapped in pancakes cooked in honey. Definitely a no-no for diabetics.

The streets are filled with carts selling things (mostly from China) and it's pretty festive. Lots of beautiful fruit - peaches, plums, mangoes, cactus, grapes ..... all taste good when refrigerated. Everyone is dressed their best - long sleeves and all despite the 32 degree heat.

But as Ramadan goes on outisde the monastery walls, in here life i still the same ...... study study study.