Ramadan

As we get through the first week of the “Holy Month of Ramadan” the effects of fasting all day and gorging all night are becoming evident with people drifting into work later and trying to leave earlier.

Curiously, while spending their time in religious contemplation, there are some other rules which apply which are lesser know than the fasting.

I am of course referring to the procreative pastimes which are banned during daylight hours in Ramadan. Thou shalt not think impure thoughts nor indulge in bare bottom boxing or any other antics, which, along with the fact that there is no food or water must make for a dull time based on western styles of living.

However, look on the bright side, you’re allowed to get into it hammer and tong all night long.

Is it any wonder that those individuals whom you see in the morning waiting for their buses and taxis are all worn out, but, take a closer look and there is a big satisfied grin under the baggy eyes

I dont know if it just me or wjether the roads have really gotten quieter. Is it the price increase on fuel, is it Ramadan or has it not changed at all? The only time that the traffic seems to be normal is during the rush leading up to Iftar & Maghreb where the faithful break the days fast.

I noticed in the Middle East press that the hour preceding Iftar has caused a massive increase in Traffic Accidents . (See photograph below)

“Brigadier Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Director of Dubai Police's General Traffic Department, said the increase was mainly due to speeding and reckless driving in the rush to get home for Iftar.”

The operations room received 2,313 accident reports in the first three days of Ramadan.
Brigadier Al Zafein pointed out that about 500 minor accidents without injuries take place on Dubai roads every day. The number of accidents usually increases during Ramadan.

This is not reflected within Jakarta as no one can drive fast enough to have a bad accident, unless of course you are a motor cyclist. Staff at one of Jakarta’s watering holes have been hit hard by this rash of motorcycle mayhem with one of the barmaids hobbling around sporting a huge graze under the chin, while in addition, two of the chefs both suffered spills which left the single able bodied chef to manage the nights orders single handed.