We were able to take a day trip to Belgium to see my friend Alex from college and her husband Matthieu and son Guillaume. The were wonderful hosts and prepared a beautiful brunch with many Belgian cheeses and chocolates, of course. We made it to the Grand Pace in the center just in time for a horrid downpour, so we did the natural thing and headed inside a chip shop for some fries with Curry Ketchup and Mayo.
We did not starve on the entire trip. As some may know, Alex family is originally from Iraq, so some of his family is Muslim celebrate Ramadan. This means no food or beverages from sun up until soun down (10pm essentially). Then it is very important to eat at 10 (which they are ready for) and boy do they feast! Alex and I did not participate in the fasting, but we certainly enjoyed the traditional foods that were prepared every night we were there, like Biryani, Dolma, grilled chicken and much more. It was a very different experience for me and I can't imagine the will power and strength they have to do this for over a month! It was really quite beautiful to see the family cook all day, restraining themselves and then all come together as one for a splendid celebration and end to their fasting.
Ramadan is the sacred ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is similar to Lent in the Catholic faith. It is not just a time to fast, but to reflect on your life, strengthen relations with friends and family, purify your soul and focus on positive changes you many want to make for the year ahead. Of course, for those who have medical restrictions and children, participation does not occur, or is modified. A child will participate when they have chosen to and typically not before puberty; 14 or 15 is the norm. Children under 12 fasting is not commonly practiced and is not encouraged by most of the Islamic community.
But, of course, Alex and I managed to explore the culture and cuisine of Holland as much as possible, although we stuck to a lot of Doner Kebab. It is everywhere and a huge favorite for both of us. I especially am trying to get my fill before returning home ;)
We made it to Amsterdam for a short day. It was pouring and, frankly, miserable. We saw the Rijksmuseum and it was overwhelmingly large, but amazing. I had visited Amsterdam in 2001, so we just made it a short trip and returned to spend time with the family.
I finally met Alex' mom and older brother. I know, almost 8 years and I never had. I also met his brother Omar's wife Linda and their children Sama, Ali and Roya (my nieces and nephew!) They are so sweet, giving and kind. They took care of everything and made me feel welcome and loved. It was nerve wracking and a challenge being around people with such a different culture and language, but they allowed me to be me and didn't make me feel out of place for observing or being quiet.
We also travelled to meet his aunt and uncle and their 4 children. They were awesome and so sweet. We spent two nights there watching crazy Egyptian tv shows and melodramas, laughing and just being loud. It was fantastic.
So, despite some rental car drama, the trip was a success and we really spent most of the time lounging and talking/catching up. Holland is gorgeous and the part we were in really reminded me of home. I started to feel like I loved it more that Italy; it's clean, quiet.......and then we came home. We were exhausted and plopped onto the bed as a light rain began. I laid there listening to the chatter of people walking, the organ music across the street, the chink of spoons stirring in coffee cups, the clop of the horse hooves pulling the carriages on the street, the sirens, the hollering....and I thought.."Ahhhh, we are home!" I felt a sense of completeness and the feeling I had missed the chaos that is Firenze in summertime!
Hope you are all well and enjoying your summer!
Love,
ZM
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