The Start of Ramadan

 I'm not sure what the etiquette is for the start of Ramadan but anyway my thoughts are with you, my friends, for those of you who are starting the fasting. This is now my fourth Ramadan in Sabah and each time I understand a little more about what is going on around me. In the shops there are huge sacks of rice on special offer and dates to break the fast and the trolleys are full of food that will fill you up and keep you going through the day. The shops suddenly start having sales and there is a buzz in the air before it starts. The other food that suddenly appears everywhere are the delicious biscuits and baking items for those who get into baking in preparation for the end of the fasting season. I remember biscuit catalogues would appear in the staffroom and some teachers would have a baking business going on selling for Hari Raya celebrations. It is a time where the feeling of hunger makes people more aware of what it is like to be hungry and it is a time when Muslims are expected to show more compassion to people less well off than themselves and try to be better people by not gossiping and praying more often. I know that everyone is encouraged to pray more than 5 times a day and the mosque nearby certainly seems to be calling more often at the moment. The women often rise at 3 am to prepare the meal for the family which must be eaten before 4.30 am and if they don't get back to sleep that is why dozing during the day is quite common during Ramadan. By law all Muslims are allowed to work 1 hour less per day during the fasting and schools also reduce  their timetables.

Taken from the suspension bridge

 I was saddened to hear on the radio today that there has been an increase in hate related crimes against Muslims in Britain. I am not a follower of any particular religion but I would just like to say that in my experience in Sabah the Muslims seem very kind, peaceful loving and generous people and far more community minded then many Christians I have met. It would be a better place if we could all respect each other's beliefs and treat everyone the same I think -  here endeth Fiona's lesson!

The ford

Going to work

 I have had an interesting week welcoming and "settling" in a new mentor into an area along the Kiulu River which is very pretty in the foothills of the Crocker Range. One of his schools is reached by a suspension bridge over the river and  a 20 minute walk and another is reached by a ford over the river or a very rickety bridge. The schools are very small and there is one class with only 2 pupils and only 42 in the whole school.

A new bridge

An old one

  Apart from that I've been sewing chair covers for the wedding this weekend and I'm not finished by any means. I fly back to France at midnight on Friday with as many as I have done in my suitcase. Wish me luck!