My husband suggested that we check out the sunset on a beach, then see if we could find a crescent moon 🌙 (to make sure that Eid Al-Fitr is coming!). Sure, it sounds like a fun thing to do! So, we took a walk for about 45 minutes to the beautiful Corniche Rabat. Nice, quiet beach. Some people were walking, running, etc., but I can tell that pretty much everyone was getting ready for their Iftar at home.
Here we are – admiring a beautiful sunset. Then, we waited for… a beautiful crescent moon! サンセットはきれいでしたが、本日の主役は、その後の三日月様〜。
Then, a special guest appeared. A very friendly chat – cat 🐱 ひとなつっこい、ねこちゃんが。。。
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Anyway… Yay! The moon is here!そうこうしてると、三日月様がご登場！
✨✨Eid Mubarak ✨✨
By the way, I found this information: ところで、こんな記載を読みました：
“Fasting on Eid is prohibited in Islam because Eid Al-Fitr is a day of celebration and breaking the Ramadan fast. Observing a fast on Eid Al-Fitrcontradicts the essence of the religious occasion, as commanded in Islamic teachings.”
I am not Muslim, but I think I can be very serious about this “not-fasting” part. And I know I am very good at it (toujours! – always) . My Darija school is off tomorrow; likely many stores are closed as well. My plan for tomorrow is to continue “non-fasting” and study more Darija and French at home.
Ramadan is almost over, and I can feel that people here are getting ready for Eid. As a non-Muslim living in Morocco, I would like to share some things I’ve experienced during this 30 days. And, the best word to describe all is; “WOW!”
“The first WOW!” Everyone, really, EVERYONE fasts. Taxi drivers, Hanout (little neighborhood shops – kind of like 7-11 of Morocco) guys, Hammam ladies, our security guard… everyone does. No cheating, except cats on the street. Of course, people with an ongoing disease, pregnant women, small children, etc. can adjust/skip the practice. God is flexible, God is kind.
Do you remember, during Covid-19, we would hear “We Are All in This Together” but we were not really together (at least in the US), because there were always some “anti-something” people who just didn’t get the message? Well, not during Ramadan, at least that’s how I felt here. People were all in the Ramadan spirit, so we decided to join, too. We didn’t eat or drink during a day outside for a month. Restaurants were open for the tourists and Gaijins (“foreigners” in Japanese) but we just didn’t feel like it. Was it easy? No, especially because we normally walk 10000+ steps a day 🙂 But I am glad we did – because now, I can appreciate the normal café opening hours.
“The second WOW!” This is a time for connecting with family and friends and reassuring how precious human relationships are, and Moroccan people are so good at doing that with FOOD! They are also good at FEEDING FOOD! We were so lucky to have a couple of Iftar meals, (Shukran Bzaaf! Mouna’s family & Muhamed’s family!). And oh boy, we ate & ate – lmakla bnina (delicious food)! I can have Iftar every day – but then, I should have to go to the gym every day. Our lovely Darija class teacher at school even shared with us a special Ramadan “Power Snack” called Sellou. Our neighbor gave us Chebakiya cookies. We are so thankful! 💕
“The third WOW” I didn’t know Moroccans drive like Indians in Delhi or Mumbai. At around 4pm, during Ramadan. Lots of honking and speeding up, to go home for Iftar. I bet there is even a feeling for survival, after not eating & drinking for more than 12 hours. I totally understand that the traffic gets crazy. However, it is not a good time to stroll for pedestrian (like me) to take a leisurely walk. But then, at around 6pm, it gets all sooooo quiet – and streets are only for Gaijins and chats🐈. What a difference.
“The Fourth WOW!” Certain stores and restaurants COMPLETELY close during Ramadan. My husband learned in a hard way. I am talking about “Adult Beverages.” Here in Rabat, it is not difficult to purchase or drink wine or beer normally. In fact, there are a couple of wine shops near our apartment (dangerous), and Carrefour has a special adult beverage section called “The Cave.” Olof (my husband) likes The Cave. But, during Ramadan, his man-cave is closed (more like “sealed”) for 30 days. Restaurants don’t serve alcohol, and bars are closed either. Poor Olof. Next year before Ramadan, he knows what to do… in advance!
“The Fifth WOW!” Just like everyone fasts together, everyone celebrates together. As its holy month of Ramadan ends, there comes Eid Al-Fitr. and it seems to me, very similar to Japanese OSyogatsu. Wear nice clothes, gather with family & friends, eat festive breakfast! Apparently, kids receive money? like Otoshidama. So many similarities. 🙂
During this Ramadan in Morocco, I grew even more respect toward people in Morocco. Their patience, their commitment, and their love for the family, friends, community, and even their newcomers from other countries, like us… I have been so lucky to be able to notice their wonderfulness. Through people here, I can see God’s amazing work. Eid Mubarak! Peace be upon you – all of you.
Although my passport says that I am American, my DNA says that I am Japanese. Oui, je suis VRAIMENT japonais, or, Ana yabania 100%. Therefore, anything that reminds me of Japan makes me excited; especially when it contains a mysterious & exotic appearance.
This sauce was interesting because it has a Mexican hat design on “OK” logo, and definitely tastes more like a sauce for tacos. Of course, with “picante” spiciness was there, but I like the attitude of Samurai in this. I honestly don’t know what Samurais taste like (I don’t think they taste good – probably sweaty, so salty). Anyway, if I were asked to rename the sauce, I would call this “Samurai Mex” or “Samurai Nas Nas”- to give credit to our Mexician friends for 50% (“nas nas” in Darija means 50-50) . But I am pretty sure no one cares about my opinions regarding the sauce name.
Now this. It’s impressive, in many ways. Its package design has a giant flan, and Ms. Japan in a traditional Kimono, and 1dhm for a box (and makes 4 servings). Amazing. This flan mix has a competitor – clearly, a Moroccan lady. Ms. Ideal. Now, Ms. Ideal comes in 6 packs for 7 dhm (when I purchased). Well… She is on peu special etelle est optimiste, comparing to our Madame Butterfly-ish Ms. Japan, I guess.
So, I made flan from both packages and did a comparison. I had to, right?これは両方作って比べるしかない、と。。。
Result? EXACTLY THE SAME. 🍮 Exactement les mêmes. Both were Bnina Bzaaf (very yummy)! I enjoyed decorating the flan as well 🙂 両方全く同じお味で😅でも美味しかったです。コスパよし！デコレーションするのも楽しい、なプリンちゃん達でした。
Plastic wrap – AKA Saran wrap – is a wonderful thing IF it can be pulled and cut smoothly. One thing I noticed and was surprised is that plastic wraps in Morocco don’t usually come with those SLIDE CUTTERS. I guess I took it for granted for a long time – my bad. I had been spoiled. I found one with the cutter at a Bougie Carrefour Market (I call slightly expensive + “gourmet” Carrefour that way – believe me, I love going there, but I tend to spend too much money at that particular Carrefour. So I should avoid going there. I am not that bougie in my purse, to be honest. It has that same effect as Costco. Scary), but… I had to wonder, how would I spend the rest of my life here without that handy-dandy slide cutter for plastic wraps and aluminum foils? How are Moroccan aunties and uncles keeping their minds peaceful & calm while wrapping their baghrir bread with those purple-colored plastic (yes, it’s purple)??
By the way, “I am surprised” in Darija is “Ana masdooma” – one of my favorite things to say. I just love the sound of it 😆. Masdooooooooma! Moroccan people are always so patient with me when trying to speak Darija – even I have terrible pronunciation. I really appreciate them 🙂
SOLUTION : I found this thingy in Marjane for 15 dhm (about 1.5 usd). This godsend, plastic item upgraded the quality of my life. Now, I can pull the wrap with no hesitation, with no concern. My food preservation control technique has been better. Not all the time, but most of the time, it works. I’d say, about 83% of the time, so, I am satisfied. Ana fer7ana (I am happy) 🙂 Best 30 dhm spent in Morocco so far, I must say (I got one for the plastic wrap, and one for aluminum foil, bien sûr ✌️).
My first language is Japanese, since I was born in Tokyo. Then, my main language became English for the last 30+ years, due to schooling & marriage. As a translator/interpreter, it is wise to keep those two languages going in my brain all the time. However, now that we live in Morocco, their major communication languages are Darija and French. Well, I’d better learn those!
Luckily, my husband speaks French. He is Swedish-American (but he doesn’t speak Swedish. He kinda understand. He can pretend he speaks some Swedish, as Swedes don’t say much), so, we decided to have our “common language at home” to be French. Ooh-la-la! What a concept! So romantic and paratactical! or, I should say, C’est trés romantique et pratique! – well, not so much. I have been sounded like a 6-year-old girl who watches too much Pokemon. And, we have not been able to have a deep, meaningful conversation as a couple. And, it is only because of me. I just don’t have enough French vocabulary yet to have a sophisticated discussion. OMG… or “Oh Mon Dieu“…?
But, maybe it is a good thing… maybe it helps our relationship to stay calm. Who needs a “deep & meaningful discussion” all the time? when you can just say “il y a un ciel bleu, mon cheri! (there is a blue sky, my dear) ” – that tells him I love him, right? (kind of)
By the way, I have been studying with Duolingo, but I don’t think I would use this sentence with many people, maybe for some special people. – あんまり使わなそうなセンテンスを教えてくれるドゥオリンゴさん。
This bilingual (could be try, quadro… inshalla!) Here in my salon, I will talk about my days in Rabat, Morocco through new discoveries, surprises and learning experiences. You might get to read some of my struggles with peri-menopause symptoms (I am not hiding!- haha) and why Moroccan living style is better for me to deal with them .
