This weekend has been jam-packed as it’s the last one before the month of Ramadan begins. It’s been predicted to start on Thursday, but we have to wait for the moon sighting to make it official.
This year, even more so than previous years, all the typical end of year parties, birthdays, farewells and who knows what else have to be fit in now because the last day of Ramadan is the last day of school and then everyone immediately disappears for summer or for good. The reason they have to happen before Ramadan is because once the month begins, no eating or drinking takes place in public during daylight hours, all restaurants are closed until evening, the school day is shortened to accommodate those who are fasting, and life in general slows down.
Yesterday afternoon was a farewell lunch for a family that is leaving our Bible study group and moving to Oman. We brought the kids and had a good time with a bunch of our church friends, but then we had to hurry home and get ready for the next event: the end of year staff party for ACS (the school where I work). It’s a formal event at a hotel ballroom and this year the theme was 007 so Josh dressed in his Daniel Craig suit and I threw on my swirl print halter dress with gold wedges and we were off. (Of course I didn’t take any photos, but there was a photographer there, so I’ll track some down.)
We had a great time and danced from the time the music started. The best part was the surprise that instead of a DJ, there was a live band made up of teachers and staff from school. They were fantastic and it was so generous of them to perform at a party that is supposed to be chance for them to relax and celebrate too.
Then today was a Texas BBQ feast with school and gym friends to say farewell to two families that are leaving Abu Dhabi. Both of these families have been here for 7-10 years. There’s a lot of that happening these days. There’s a big shift taking place as long time families head home, but I’m happy to be one of the remaining few.
So basically we ran around all weekend eating and saying goodbye to people. It’s a good thing Ramadan is coming because I’m about partied out.