Orange trees don’t seem to get much time to rest. The season is drawing to an end but there are still remaining oranges on the trees. Including a lone one on the next door neighbour’s tree which I covet and could reach from our deck - but don’t. Our tree finished producing oranges a short time ago but is now, J noticed, covered with new, white buds.
Lovely day for a walk down to the Lambousa market. Beverley at the animal rescue book stall. Says Criegan expecting to come home today. Pacing the floor - or rather exploring all floors of the Lefkoşa hospital. Sounds like Daphne will not be called upon to accommodate him in her tiny ground floor flat.
Ramadan (known as Ramazan in countries where Arabic is not spoken, such as Türkiye, Pakistan and India) began last night, with today being the first of the dawn to sundown fasts. First encountered by us in 2020 when we were locked down in Gazimağusa, when I wrote:
“Actually Cypriot Muslims are pretty relaxed in their religious observance. And in any case fasting is not really the essence of Ramadan. It’s a spiritual discipline but not a heavily penitential one. After dusk families and friends gather to enjoy a shared meal (curtailed, obviously, this year) which may include special foods and sweets. Further, Ramadan is also a time for charity, and as well as donations of money and food communal meals are often prepared for the homeless, the poor, and even those would be alone and wish to eat in the company of others.”
Many don’t observe the fasting - rather like Christians during Lent - but are usually respectful of those who do. Fear that J and I have been looking forward to Ramazan for a somewhat unworthy reason. It’s the only time of year when Ramazan pide, a delicious seeded flatbread is available - baked daily. Realise that this is a bit like looking forward to Lent because chocolate Easter eggs will be back in the stores.