the river moves on

One week later...

I've been fasting for a week now. I am feeling:

Exhausted
Fulfilled
Thirsty
Calm
Stressed

I haven't quite yet figured how to stay sane and healthy during Ramadan, so it's a bit of trying to keep my former Cairo schedule of staying up until 3 am and waking up at 8 but minus that lovely dose of high quality Nescafe in the am to jump start my day. I contemplated drinking a cup of coffee at 4 am when I wake for Suhoor, but the thought of being vibrant and bouncy and then attempting a return to slumber sounds downright painful.

My biggest inspiration and motivation is the people around me who are also fasting, particularly the ones that resist the anger that often arises when you are lacking in your basic, or not so basic needs. I have seen more fights during Ramadan (four in one night) right before iftar, than ever before, but also many more people being considerate to those around them. I think fasting can bring out very different sides of a person.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and broken fast with me in the last week. Looking forward to the rest of the month.

An hour and a half to iftar.

Ramadan Kareem

posted by Annika @ 5:13 PM