Coasting along in the bus as the desert grass flies by my window. A feeling of satisfaction and a smile on my face having survived the first day of Ramadan fasting. I'm not sure how long I'll last, but it seems like the sympathetic thing to do as the Islamic community here in Syria bears down for its 30 days of fasting between dawn and dusk. This day, the first day, was good.
Earlier we watched the sun set over the Syrian desert, camels and sheep grazing on hard desert grass, lonely Bedouin walkers on distant horizons, and irregular tents interrupting the landscape. As the sun disappeared toward the west we stopped at a roadside tea house. Inside excited Bedouin men are just breaking the day's fast. Sitting on the floor sharing traditional soup, flat bread, mince, and vegetables. All are smiling after an uncomfortable initial day of Ramadan. It's hard to compare the faith of Islam with anything. As a pseudo-athiest I don't stand a chance. But, even in this western infused world, the people here are able to maintain a tradition and faith unequaled. The only thing the U.S. has that vaguely qualifies or compares is their incessant quest for money. That alone is our Mecca. Sad to say, but true. My guess is that this kind of monetary devotion is misdirected if you claim to follow a true god.
PS - I lasted two days fasting with my Islamic friends... Not too good.
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