Ramadan ramblings

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and we're now into the last week before Eid - the three day celebration at the end. Last year, Ramadan was a very hard time for us. We were trying to furnish a home from scratch and we didn't really know our way around. We didn't know that it was alright for the kids to eat and drink. Although there is no eating and drinking in public for adults during daylight, we now know that it is always possible to find somewhere that's open if you know where to look. There is no alcohol before 7pm - the Bailey's cheescake was off limits last week when we went to the golf club for lunch - but this is very moderate by middle east standards and most countries in the region are completely dry during Ramadan.

The weather has definitely cooled down now and the AC doesn't need to be on full tilt all the time. Last months bill for electricity and water was nearly £300, but that will soon drop to more reasonable levels. One sure sign of cooler weather is that the kids are now playing out at school every day. The equivalent of what we used to call a 'wet break' at school is a 'red break' here (i.e. over 40 degrees).

Next week is half term and we're going to Muscat in Oman for a few days holiday. I've only heard positive things about the place, and I'm really looking forward to the break.

I've been enjoying teaching myself how to use Photoshop. Even the lousiest photo can be made into something useful. The pic below is one I've done of a friend's daughter and had blown up into a poster for them. Andy Warhol eat your heart out.