Ramadan by Day

Photo credits: Maple

Time again, its the holy month of Ramadan. A season where working hours was reduced from eight hours to six hours to give time for Muslim brothers to pray and fast which normally constituted during daytime. 

Normally, the public and private office opens at 10:00 a.m. (at the earliest) and close on or before 4:00 p.m.; except for hospitals, airports and terminals in their usual working hours due to 24/7 public demand. 

One morning, as I sip my coffee on my favorite seat nearby the window of our lunch room at the third floor, I stare at the quiet view of the city in broad daylight. It was so quiet. No doubt, the city girl Jeddah is sleeping soundly. The streets and public places are empty, malls, shops and banks are closed and roads are traffic-free during daytime! Nevertheless, there's nothing much you can do at early timing. Unless, you wait for 10:00 a.m. then you can run your errands to the grocery, or remittance centers and some government offices (make sure to catch them up before 12 noon) in a limited time. The rest establishment resumes operation on night time.  

Wear it light on summer

The month of August is the peak of summer in the city of Jeddah. For few days we experience high percentage of humidity and heat temperature. Thus, women who wear abayas may find the hot season of discomfort especially when strolling around downtown. Basically, abayas are regular dress code in which we are required to wear for all seasons.

In couple of years, my abayas had accumulated in variant clothing and design. I had few pieces made from light material, ideal for hot season. I had couple of tailor made abayas that is warm, bit heavy material, but the advantage is "washable and wearable" and most of all, ideal for cold season. 

This summer, I advise women to wear a light material of clothes even underneath their abayas. For me, I go for cotton clothing such as shirts, tights, summer dress, sleeveless tops to compliment the abaya couture during summer time. For now, I heart cotton fashion at the moment!  

Women to drive or not?

The petitioning of women to drive had become a major issue in Jeddah. At a stance, the petition is quite compelling if granted by the authorities. I had a positive impression about this before. But after reading an article on women's safety on commuting with taxi, I raise hundred of doubts if Saudi women and expat alike were ready to combat harassment issues. 

I stumbled upon this article about an increasing complaints from taxi drivers in the news; as I was extremely annoyed of such reports. I fear [being a foreign woman] of my safety in commuting (in some unavoidable circumstances) around the city. In addition to dismay, taxi drivers and policemen can do nothing to stop those young men  from harassing people especially women. The article however, did not clarify whether these young men in which the author refer to, were Saudis or not. Some say, you just dial the emergency hotline. Yet, it doesn't guarantee neither the immediate help you need; doubting if they could even speak with you in English. It is quite alarming on how desperate these young men could get (I'm not referring to all of them of course) just to socialize with opposite sex, by any means. I pity the society is sick due to extreme cultural restriction. Women here, expats or not, should be more cautious and never to go outside ALONE. Or else, walk alone at your own risk.

We had this experience, when our car halted before the traffic light somewhere in King Fahad road. A rugged car filled with teenagers stopped side by side our car, as we are about to took the left lane turn. The young driver lowered his shield and gestured his hand on my husband asking about direction or something. Then I look upon those bunch of teenagers and felt how vulnerable they was on seeing a woman without veil and facial cover. It was such a deprivation on their teenage life. =(  

Now, my mind is filled with doubts, for women to have the right to drive a car. I fear women will be chased by young men or gangster in town. I fear that she will be tailed and get abducted in some circumstances. Let alone increasing rape cases are remain unsolved to this day. Yet, I will lay aside those fears, for I know the issue remains a big debate among the legislators and religious advisers up to this day. For now, I believe in good faith the delay on granting the issue is for the sake of women as well.

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Ramadan 2011

The Holy month of Ramadan starts on Monday. Everybody is aware of Do's and Don'ts during Ramadan period. This time, the working hours was reduced into six hours a day. In our office for instance, a memo was released that working hours will be at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. timing. Not too early neither too late. I'm lucky to work for an office who need not to opt for broken schedule where most of commercial establishments operate like clinics, spa, malls, shops, remittance centers, restaurants and so on.

Ramadan kareem, everyone!

Driving in Jeddah

There's no doubt, my hubby is a defensive driver. But being in another country, [where most of drivers are not well-oriented of driving protocols] one has to be extra careful in driving. Like for instance, one morning, we are accelerating moderately in the right lane before reaching the right curve, a black cruiser ran past ahead of us without using his light signal. My husband was adamant of such reckless driver without fear of getting harmed. Countless times, we experience this off the road and thankful to God that we are often spared from the terrible accident.  

Weather today

Last week, we had a mild sandstorm for four days. Pretty tolerable to walk outside. Time again, signs of changing weather is here. The summer is really on. When sandstorm was over, I feel the humidity has increased and I can't stand to stay outside than usual. It was so dry and hard to breathe outside.

Just the other day, the skies were so clear.

Today, another sandstorm engulfs the city. The skies appear yellowish. I googled today's temperature and it was 40c with 31% humidity in the air. I just wonder, just as our A/Cs are running, we are not spared from fine dust particles inside our homes. God, tomorrow I hope sandstorm will go away.