Ramadan's here!

Yesterday, 31st Aug, marked the 51th anniversary of Malaysian independence. It was also yesterday that in Malaysia, the 1st fasting day of Ramadan determined. And today, has been proclaimed as the 1st day of Ramadan. In the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink and are also obliged to follow other restrictions from dawn to sunset.

Ramadan in Japan is very much different from one in Malaysia. We do not have Bazar Ramadan, which sells so many kinds of food especially as the breakfasting time is approaching and most importantly we do not have the chance to savour mom's dishes..At the moment, the dawn and sunset time is also different, 3.30am to 6.00pm (as in Miyagi) so we have to wake up earlier to eat some food before starting to fast.

But one thing we enjoy fasting in Japan is that the weather is not as hot as in Malaysia. Daily temperature is generally 28℃ max so we don't feel as tired. And another thing is that when we have breakfast gathering with other Malaysians. It is usually potluck style where we bring our own dishes to share with our friends. These are also the time for the bachelor kohais (junior) to show off their talent in cooking. See pic, teh tarik depa kaww..siap buat kuih keria lagi...

When I was in Fukuoka, the Muslim student association holds breakfasting and terawih prayers (special prayers only in Ramadan) every day at school and one big event on Sundays at the International Students Hall. In the Sunday event, many people will come, including women and children so every country will have to take turns preparing food for breakfasting. Usually Malaysians will work with some other countries with small population in Fukuoka.

During the days when I had classes at QBS, I remembered asking my lecturer for permission to have a bite on biscuit for breakfasting. QBS classes are at night, usually from 6.20pm~9.30pm (2 periods) so if I don't eat, pengsanlaa..Not to mention that I was also working during the day, from 10 to 4. Time in Ramadan was very short because I had to wake up as early as 2.30am to eat (I don't sleep after eating), do assignment or housechores, prepare for work and Nani's kindergarten..and sleep at about 11pm after finishing school at 9.30pm. In one Ramadan, I lost about 8kgs...(but now bounce back..heheh)

Ramadan this year is the last one for me in Japan. The last chance to lose weight too, before returning to Malaysia. For all Muslims out there, enjoy Ramadan!