Morocco II

Posted by Stephen - September 28, 2009

Morocco Flowers, from the Beach in Tangier....

I visited Tangier again this month. A quick visit of one a day and half. What was different this time is I was there during Ramadan...the holy month for Muslims. During this month Muslims cannot eat during the day, from last prayer at sun-up until sundown. So, unlike last visits, when the restaurants were full all day, there was a strange sense of calmness, like everything was in a different state. I am told that by the end of the month (we were then near the end of Ramadan) many people are tired due to the different eating and sleeping habits they must follow. Energy wanes, people are grumpier.

From the net http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/ramadan.htm

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is Ramadan, a time for Muslims to focus on purifying their soul through prayer and self-sacrifice. During Ramadan, more than a billion Muslims around the world observe one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam: Fasting.
Each day of Ramadan, from sunrise to sunset, Muslims aged twelve and older traditionally practice fasting. The Arabic word for fasting literally means to "refrain," which is what is religiously proscribed - not just abstaining from eating and drinking, but also restraining every part of one's physical body.
The mouth, for example, is restrained from idle talk and gossip, while the ears are restrained from listening to obscenities. In this way, a Muslim engages his or her entire body in the physical observance of the Ramadan fast.

In addition to the fast, Ramadan is also a time to re-evaluate one's convictions and deeds. It is a time to mend troubled relationships, give charity, find forgiveness for others, and refocus on worshipping Allah (God).
According to Islamic tradition, the month of Ramadan is when Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book, to the prophet Muhammad. In honor of this revelation, one thirtieth of the Qur'an is read each night of Ramadan during the evening prayer. By the end of the month, the whole Qur'an has been recited.
During Ramadan, Muslims rise before sunrise to partake in a pre-fast meal, called suhoor. Each night after sunset, they break their fast with the iftar meal. The end of the month of Ramadan is marked with the joyous festival of Eid al-Fitr, which literally means the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." During Eid al-Fitr, families celebrate with elaborate feasts and dress in their finest clothes. At the same time, they increase their efforts to give charity to the poor and make contributions to their mosques.

These pictures are along the beach in Tangier. I was out one morning and caught the sun coming up over some storm clouds to the west.

This is me in the market in Tangier, near a place called the Medina. I mentioned this in my first Morocco blog.

England

Stephen - Posted September 26, 2008

I have to admit I like England. I enjoy the scale of the country. There is a sense of size that resonates with me. In North America we seem to worship "big". Europe finds beauty in smaller dimensions. This weekend I got to experience again the joys of motoring in England...the narrow twisting country lanes with overhanging trees and stone fences three feet away from the edge of the tarmac.. In the US we would bulldoze a 100 yard wide space and put in a safe, barren and boring freeway. In England, the road twists, turns, has signs that give all kinds of warnings to motorists...but in reality are saying: "Hey, slow down, take a look at the scenery" The house pictured above is by the entrance to Susie's neighbourhood.

If I won the lottery, one of the places I would seriously consider living would be rural England.

Last week I spent a couple of days working at our UK subsidiary, and also had the joy of two relaxing days over a weekend with Susie and Mike.

Susie and Mike live in an area called the Cotswolds. It has the classic roads, beautiful vistas, lovely pubs (all our family has visited one spectacular pub, the Falkland Arms. . http://www.falklandarms.org.uk/

I arrived at Susie's after a very hectic two weeks, of travel and US visitors. I was tired. Very tired. We had a lovely lamb dinner (Susie ALWAYS has lamb for me..I love lamb) and about 9:30pm I said I was tired and went to bed. I made Susie tell me where the keys were as I always wake early and I wanted a run.... Well, at 9:50 AM Saturday I finally tumbled out of bed. Must be the air. I think I slept 30 hours the three nights I was there...

I mentioned above I drove..yes, I had a car. The drive from Cheltenham to Bloxom is about 40 miles. Google maps says it is a one hour drive! I managed it in about 90 minutes. On the way to Susie's I stalled the car three times and missed two turns. (not counting the fair in Chipping Norton that required a diversion) Pictured below is my car for the weekend . Volkswagen, stick shift, right hand drive. OK, now I know how to do it. Next time with Genya navigating, will do better.

I also did a laundry at Susie's.

Some more pictures:

My favorite Bloxom pub- The Red Lion

My friend Phil Davis bringing (and buying) the beer.

Typical Bloxom lane.

I have gone to Bloxom with my mother, Genya, all three kids and Diane. Plus many times alone. It feels like a 2nd home. Thanks Susie.

For more about the lovely Cotswold's go to :

http://www.cotswolds.info/

Labour Day Weekend

Labour Day weekend is not a very good title for this posting. First of all, I am including a picture from the weekend before Labour Day. And secondly, the posting is really all about Addy.



Geoff, Nicole and Addy on their way to Mel's wedding on August 28th.

Addy and Daddy. Would you believe that this is a baby about to go upstairs to bed?

Ryan and Steph were home for the weekend to attend a wedding.

Note Addy's favourite toy for the day - an empty paper towel roll.

Addy got to meet her "doggy cousin" this weekend. She and Charlie got along just fine. Note the paper towel roll.

Still checking out each other. Actually, Charlie was a little afraid of Addy for awhile.

"Won't you play with me?" Note the paper towel roll still in her hand.


If you won't come to me, I'll come to you.


Finally, Charlie settled in next to Addy, as if he was there to protect her. Very gentle.

No fear about reaching out to the dog.

Charilie wasn't going to let Addy get all the attention.

Look at me ... I know how to sit for photos. (this is the dog talking).

Until I took this picture, Addy and Charlie were both eyeing Stephen's toast.
Addy and Gigi.

Again, would you believe that this is a baby about to go to bed?