Last year I spent all the month of Ramadan in Qatar and never went to a meal where the fast was broken. However, this year, I only spent about a week in Qatar during Ramadan and had the pleasure of attending a wonderful Iftar/Suhoor meal in one of the very nice hotels in Doha.
Suhoor is the term referring to the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting during the daylight hours during the Islamic month of Ramadan. Suhoor typically tends to be heavy and is highly regarded by Islamic traditions to benefit of the blessings and avoid crankiness or weakness caused by the fast. On the other hand, Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims break their fast during Ramadan. It is done right after Maghrib (sunset). Many Muslims believe that feeding someone Iftar as a form of charity is very rewarding and that it was practiced by Prophet Muhammad.
I have not quite decided if what I attended was Iftar or Suhoor as we did not go right after sunset, but waited until 9 PM and ended up staying until almost 2 AM. This is not quite sunrise either. I will just say that perhaps it was a mixture of both. All things put aside, it was a beautiful and elegant environment with all sorts of food set up in different buffets, live music to go along with the meal and a variety of other activities, sites and sounds...
The ceiling in the dining area with all sorts of neat designs, colors and lights.
Sitting with all the beautiful rugs and other things for sale...
This man was from Syria and was showing us how to weave different designs.
Part of the buffet. This side had more Arabic food along with the yummy dessert table (always my favorite part).
Ramadan Kareem: Generous Ramadan.
I always love shawarma and falafel!
One more view of the dining area with tables and couches.
Yesterday, September 21, was the UN International Day of Peace. As I was reading some articles and playing around on facebook, I came across one of my new favorite websites: International Day of Peace.
I thought these words from the website were rather powerful and simple:
"Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact if millions of people in all parts of the world, coming together for one day of peace, is immense."
"International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal or political. Take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts of our time. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire would mean to humankind."
Not only did I enjoy looking at this website, but I proceeded to be bombarded with so many others with such wonderful peace initiatives and projects. Here are just a few to start:
Going off of this, the Peace Corps is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary year and before I came back to Doha, I came across some really amazing artwork done by students at the University of Connecticut. Here are a few of my favorites:
"Fifty years ago, at a time when hippie culture was thriving, the Peace Corps began their campaign to promote peace around the world. Today, they continue to successfully help countries in need and promote peace." - Harleen Chhabra
My goal was touch upon the subtle moments in the Peace Corp where change is really taking place. The actions of the Peace Corps are not only about a citizen of an advanced country aiding a citizen of a developing country, but about the equality and balance of giving and receiving, where learning and growth is happening between teacher and student. The most important aspects of the Peace Corps, and for that matter the most important aspects of peace, come from listening and communicating. It is in the younger generation that ideas are shared and dreams are made, and they are the hope for a more united and prosperous world." - Cassie DeRosa
"Peace simply stated is to envision a world without violent conflict. My vision of peace refers to the planting process and how societies can benefit if everyone altruistically assisted in the growth of other nations. The doves, being a symbol of peace are referenced within the treetops and are intended to slowly reveal themselves to a viewer." - Kristen Candella
"I was interested in focusing on the celebratory aspect of the Peace Corps and its 50th anniversary. Whereas my image does not necessarily serve to recruit members, I hope that the intricacy and uniqueness of the image would invite viewers inward for investigation. I incorporated the original Peace Corps logo into the poster as a means of combining a classic and recognizable symbol into a unique environment."
Happy Peace Day....and may it be today and everyday...
I decided on one of my morning runs this week that I should perhaps jot down some of my randoms thoughts and observations of running through the streets of Doha and along the Corniche...
Some are rather entertaining while others are just peaceful and serene...
I received my first "thumbs down" while running last week.
I have recently been hearing a rooster early in the morning at the beginning of my run near my apartment building. This has reminded me of living in Honduras.
A few days ago I almost killed myself twice. The first time I almost fell off the curb into the street (thankfully traffic is at a low during the early morning). The second time I almost decapitated myself on a large, thorny bush (nevertheless, the thorns did claim my hat for a moment).
A few days ago I saw a father and young son running together along the Corniche. They were smiling and chatting. I hope I can do that someday if I ever have children of my own...
I love it when there is a full moon and it is still shining bright in the early morning. It is even more breathtaking and placid when the sun is coming up and you are able to see both in the sky at the same time. I wouldn't surpass experiencing that part of the morning for anything.
I find it rather amusing that men (particularly Arab men) find the need to wear cologne while they are running and/or walking in the morning. It is usually quite strong.
The above point brings me to my next thought of what they must think of me as I tend to wear the same running clothes for the entire week. Therefore, by the end of the week, I am most likely not the best smelling person running along the Corniche. :)
I have found very few places in this world where I can run unnoticed. Annoying men tend to be in all corners of this world. Unfortunately, Doha is not the exception. Last week my friend Ann and I were followed for a bit by two men in their car playing loud music. Really guys? No thank you. I have also been asked by a complete stranger if we could run together because I motivated him. How he could have figured that out in a matter of three minutes of running near me, I will never know. The first week I was ever in Doha, I was asked for my phone number by a complete stranger. Once again, no thank you and leave me in peace!
I also find it very entertaining that most men on the Corniche think that they can either beat me or keep up with me. Most are proven wrong within a minute or two.
Men in thobes will never get out of my way. They have the right away...
I love seeing women in their abayas out walking and/or running.
I love it even more when we exchange smiles.
At the end of last school year, I really started to notice that I was seeing many of the same people out running and exercising in the morning. Some would just pass by and with others we would exchange a quick nod or smile. It has been so wonderful to see some of the same people again after being gone for almost three months. Some have truly transformed and their hard work has paid off.
There is a group of four or five men that I always see walking and they remind me of a group of older women that I have seen walking in my hometown in Michigan. They are cute.
I really don't like pigeons and I like it when it is still dark enough outside so that they remain sleeping or when it is too hot out and they have escaped the sun.
Speaking of birds, the lovely bird songs that you can hear all throughout Aspire Park are not real. They come out of a speaker. In Doha, we must manufacture fake nature. It is still nice to hear though... :)
Now that I am running more, driving to the Corniche and running does not give me enough time to get in the distance that I want. I now run from home to the Corniche and along the water for a bit. This run is truly like a cross country run as I get to run on pavement, sand, dirt, grass, bricks and stones. I also get to climb a hill and jump over curbs. The only downfall is the traffic. I don't like stopping for cars and they most certainly are NOT going to stop for me in this city. Some even like to run the red light at the cross walk. One must be quite cautious.
I don't have to worry about dogs chasing and/or biting me in Doha (unlike Honduras). However, the occasional cat does tend to scare me as it jumps off a car or a dumpster. They are everywhere...
A few mornings last week, I was smelling wonderful Italian food. It certainly did not smell like breakfast at 5 AM. There are always a variety of different smells passing through the air of Doha.
I really enjoy seeing people out early in the morning after the call to prayer has finished. They usually have a small picnic near the water and it seems so peaceful and lovely as the sun is coming up. There are always lots of people enjoying the shade of the palm trees on Friday mornings too.
This summer I bought a Camelbak for my long runs and it got its first test run this week. It passed with flying colors and very much helped me as I attempted my first "long run" outside in the heat, humidity and sun.
Hopefully more thoughts and ramblings of a runner in Doha to come...
I had the privilege of being a bridesmaid in one of my best friend's wedding a little over a month ago. It is very hard to believe that over a month has already passed. On August 6, 2011, my dearest friend Trina Melville married Tom Connelly. I am so grateful that I got to help share in their very special day. Here are few of my favorite pictures from Trina and Tom's wedding day. I wish both of them a lifetime of happiness and peace.
Mary the makeup artist is truly a special person and such a free spirit. I am so thankful to have been able to see her again.
Trina looked stunning!
All the bridesmaids and the beautiful bride.
Trina with her wonderful family: Rob, Mary and Mari (my other best friend).
The Fremont girls hiding out before the ceremony starts. We've known each other since we were in 1st and 2nd grade.
Yesterday my dear grandma celebrated her 89th birthday! She is one amazing lady! We are talking about a person who still lives alone and drives her own car! Not only is she an amazing lady, but she is surrounded by a large and loving family. Betty is the mother of five children, grandmother of 18 grandchildren and the great-grandmother of 14 great-grandchildren! Here are a few pictures to show how Betty celebrated the big 89...
About to blow out the candles on the brownies!
Opening her gifts and reading her cards.
Out for lunch the day before her birthday. We were about to dive into a yummy cream puff with ice-cream, hot fudge and whipped cream!
Enjoying dinner at Aunt Nancy's house. Kaitlyn is one of the many great-grandchildren.
My Aunt Nancy with two of her grandchildren: Megan and Kaitlyn.
I was lucky too because I got to spend time with my cousins: Maggie, Kaitlyn and Katie!
Katie and Megan posing with the birthday girl!
Katie and Kaitlyn. She will be 3 in October! What a cutie!
Mary and Betty at the Detroit Zoo. We went the day after Betty's birthday.
I got to pose with the birthday girl again!
Mother and daughter on the train at the Detroit Zoo.
We do not stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing. --Anon
Another BIG excitement and perk of being back over summer break was taking a wonderful vacation to the Outer Banks. For those of you who don't know, the Outer Banks (also known as OBX) is a 200-mile (320-km) long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States. They cover approximately half the northern North Carolina coastline, separating the Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound, and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean.
I am proud to say that I actually know someone who lives on the Outer Banks. My mom's oldest sister, Linda has lived in Corolla, North Carolina for years and years now. This was my third time to visit and it was long over due (which may even be an understatement). I had forgotten how much I love the beach! The ocean, beach and I had some serious catching up to do. It was also a great opportunity to see a lot of family. Of course with the technology that we have this day in age, it makes keeping in touch much easier. However, there is nothing like spending some quality time with those you love!
Here is a glimpse of our week in the OBX...
Enjoying delicious Indian food in North Potomac, Maryland with Uncle Billy, Aunt Janet, Trina, Alex, Mike, Leigh and Mom.
Trina and I enjoying a night out on the town with Mike before heading to the OBX.
First afternoon at the beach. Ryan and Alex buried me into the sand. So good to be back at the beach!
Grandma Betty and Uncle Billy enjoying the lovely ocean water.
Mom, Uncle Billy, Grandma and Aunt Janet at the beach. It was so great to have my aunt and uncle join us for a few days!
What a great way to spend time with family!
What would I do without this kid?!?! What a brother! I believe that bowl is for the crabs!
Ryan and Billy playing around.
Trina was getting lessons from Aunt Janet on how to eat a crab. I stuck to the shrimp!
We got to help Kim celebrate her birthday. Brendan was really ready for that yummy cake!
Happy 4th of July! It started to rain though, so no fireworks this year!
Mom and I out on the dock.
Trina, Mom and I hanging out on the beach for another day!
Alex showing us how it's done on the buggy board.
Playing in the sand.
Trina, Katie, Aunt Linda, Grandma and Mom...that's a lot of bathing beauties! ;)
It was so wonderful to have a best friend with me on the trip.
Always lots of crabs on the beach...
It was so wonderful to see my cousin Erin and her husband Chris and their little Liam!
Currituck Beach Lighthouse.
A view of Currituck Sound from the top of the lighthouse.
A view from one of the windows as we climbed up the stairs.
Another view of the sound and the Whalehead Club Historic House.
The 4 amigos at the top of the lighthouse. What a great vacation!
We had lots of dancing stars at the big seafood dinner!
