10th October
Bethlehem.
My Arabic lesson today went well, which was a little of a surprise as I only got a chance to practise last night and this morning. When I was at the conservatory in Jerusalem, Ata invited my to join their Iftar tomorrow – the meal after sunset during Ramadan. Tomorrow is the last day of Ramadan, and I get the feeling that it’s going to be a little crazy. Over the past few days, the energy levels on the street have been steadily rising, especially after dark. In preparation for the holiday that follows Ramadan, many stallholders are setting up on the pavements, selling all sorts from candy-floss to gifts and clothes, as well as lots of food. The sudden need to shop is similar to Britain during the last few days before Christmas; only most of the shopping here is done late, once everyone has eaten.
As I’m going to take part in the Iftar tomorrow, I thought I’d take my last chance to experience the fast – so tomorrow will be free of food and drink until sunset for me. I’m hoping my first taste of date juice – the recommended ‘breakfast’ - will taste all the sweeter for it.
