We are hungry

During Ramadan many Muslims fast all day. At sundown they eat special foods called Iftari - dates, deep fried lentils and vegetables, and a beef stew called Halim. In the late afternoon people buy their Iftari, and at sundown the whole city stops for a few minutes as everyone breaks their fast together. Almost everyone eats iftari, regardless of religion, and regardless of whether or not you fast. Last night all my foreigner friends trekked over to my house on the wrong side of the tracks for a Iftar party. The power was out for half of the evening, so it was with Spanish hand fans and candles that we gorged on Iftari, Bengali dinner, and great company.

The best part of hosting in Bangladesh is Sheuli. My housekeeper/cook spent all day and evening cooking, leaving me free to socialize with my guests. Then as we finished each course she cleaned up the plates and did the dishes. By the time my friends left she had the kitchen spotless and all that was left to do was dry some plates before going to bed.

My current roommate is a photographer. If you would like to see my city through her eyes her site is here. www.flickr.com/photos/fatalcleopatra

I am going on a boat trip to the Sundarbans mangrove forest for the next few days, when I get back it will be Eid.

Eid Mubarok!