Roll in the next whiner...
[QUOTE]
"Even the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques allowed us to eat in public...
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Do you honestly think a custodian would challenge you if you're a western expat ? Bet you didn't try it in front of a Saudi official.
"Why is it in the land of pork, nightclubs, bikinis and booze we are not allowed to eat in public during daylight? Are they trying to make our lives as miserable as theirs? "
No one can make your life miserable. Only you make yourself miserable. You have complete control of what you allow to bother you and what you don't. If all this makes you miserable, you're in the wrong part of the globe my friend.
"This is all rediculous and I should know by now how people in this part of the world operate "
As is your post.
Instead of thinking "they" are trying to make you miserable, perhaps you can take it in and learn something from it. I see no mention or any inclination from your post that suggest any respect the culture here or religion. Did it feel good that you were able to eat in front of a man who for the love of his God and his religion had not eaten or drank water since about 4:30 that morning?
While I am a Christian and not Muslim, I respect their religion and the laws set in place by it. For me, Ramadan is not just for Muslims, it is a time for all mankind to reflect on what it is like for those not as fortunate as we are. Especially those who build the infrastructures by which we live in, work in, buy pork in and even drink in. So while you're frustrated by the fact you can't sit at the mall and ingest a saturated fat filled hamburger, stop and think about those in the world who have nothing to eat.
Unless you're stuck here because you have outstanding debts, bad cheques or lost your passport, turn the lights off as you leave.
Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya.
If you really have that much time on your hands, please tell us, Why is the sky blue ? Why are trees brown? Why is the earth round ?
A380.. yep it changes each year. I think because they are concerned that the lienency had slipped a bit. And others simply don't respect it at all. It would be great if it were same same each year but we know where are. We adapt and deal with it.