Dahab during Ramadan

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Suzanne Nichols - 12 Sep 2003 18:28 GMT

We've just found out that we are visiting Dahab during Ramadan. Has anyone
experienced this area at that time - i.e. what should we expect- will this
affect dive trips- transfers to hotel etc?
Suzie

Reply to this Message

Grumman-581 - 12 Sep 2003 20:02 GMT

> We've just found out that we are visiting Dahab during Ramadan. ...
> what should we expect

Shorter lines at restaurants during the day?

Reply to this Message

Phil Kelly - 13 Sep 2003 02:11 GMT

Mmmm. Seriously. Me and a group of friends were in Dahab during ramadam last
time. As far as the diving etc went it made no difference at all. The
drivers were f*****d all day but didn't stop them doing their job. Evenings
also were not effected. Only thing we noticed was a bit more calling to the
mosque. If you catch the end of ramadam you will find the locals in party
mood! Don't let ramadam put you off. You won't really notice it's happening.
Phil

> > We've just found out that we are visiting Dahab during Ramadan. ...
> > what should we expect
>
> Shorter lines at restaurants during the day?

Reply to this Message

Chris Tibble - 16 Sep 2003 19:26 GMT

>Mmmm. Seriously. Me and a group of friends were in Dahab during ramadam last
>time. As far as the diving etc went it made no difference at all. The
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>>
>> Shorter lines at restaurants during the day?

Personally I felt very awkward being on a livaboard during Ramadan. It
is considered rude to eat in front of a Moslem when he can not. I
personally felt bad that we had a Moslem chef on board, who spent all
day handling and cooking food, but was unable to even taste it!

If I could avoid it, I wouldn't go to Egypt during Ramadan, especially
on a livaboard, which is the only way I'd go anyway.

Chris

Reply to this Message

Jatniel Juran - 16 Sep 2003 22:32 GMT

> >Mmmm. Seriously. Me and a group of friends were in Dahab during ramadam last
> >time. As far as the diving etc went it made no difference at all. The
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> personally felt bad that we had a Moslem chef on board, who spent all
> day handling and cooking food, but was unable to even taste it!

> If I could avoid it, I wouldn't go to Egypt during Ramadan, especially
> on a livaboard, which is the only way I'd go anyway.

I suspect Moslem workers would not like to see the month of Ramadan be one
without work. Avoiding Egypt, for an entire month, because of Ramadan is
probably the most insulting thing one could do.

> Chris

Reply to this Message

Chris Tibble - 16 Sep 2003 22:55 GMT

>> >Mmmm. Seriously. Me and a group of friends were in Dahab during ramadam
>last
[quoted text clipped - 29 lines]
>
>> Chris

True, but since if you asked the vast majority of divers they would
have no clue what Ramadan is all about. I doubt very much if they will
miss just my money especially as I'm giving it to them this year just
after Ramadan!

I suppose I could go and only eat during the hours of darkness, though
I'm not sure other divers would go for that!

Chris

Reply to this Message

Jatniel Juran - 16 Sep 2003 23:34 GMT

> >> >Mmmm. Seriously. Me and a group of friends were in Dahab during ramadam
> >last
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
> I suppose I could go and only eat during the hours of darkness, though
> I'm not sure other divers would go for that!

The Moslems I know state that fasting while the rest of the world eats is a
willing show of strength of faith, not a struggle to adhere to some archaic
challenge. I don't see how it could be anything other.

I think visiting a Moslem business or workers during Ramadan and having them
serve you food and drink is a beautiful thing, both for them and for you.
Their sacrifice his heightened by the dichotomy, yet their incomes do not
suffer from the division of belief. I just don't think it always necessary
for people to suffer because of faith, and avoiding Islamic countries during
Ramadan, because of Ramadan, is punishing them for their beliefs even if
your actions are dressed in respect.

Reply to this Message

Grumman-581 - 16 Sep 2003 23:55 GMT

> Avoiding Egypt, for an entire month, because of Ramadan is
> probably the most insulting thing one could do.

Cool... They can consider themselves avoided... I hereby promise to not
visit any country of camel f.cking Bedoins during Ramadan thus they can all
feel insulted by me... <evil-grin>

Reply to this Message

Jatniel Juran - 17 Sep 2003 16:16 GMT

> > Avoiding Egypt, for an entire month, because of Ramadan is
> > probably the most insulting thing one could do.
>
> Cool... They can consider themselves avoided... I hereby promise to not
> visit any country of camel f.cking Bedoins during Ramadan thus they can all
> feel insulted by me... <evil-grin>

Reply to this Message

Nick Phillips - 17 Sep 2003 11:00 GMT

> Personally I felt very awkward being on a livaboard during Ramadan. It
> is considered rude to eat in front of a Moslem when he can not. I
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Chris

I've been to Egypt during Ramadan, both for a Nile tour and Red Sea diving.
None of those who I met had the slightest worry about any of your concerns.
I dare say that I didn't meet many that adhere strictly to the faith but of
the ones I met (officials, dive masters, tour guides, restaurant owners
etc.) most didn't really pay much attention to fasting. Most smoked and
drank water at the very least. All were welcoming and none showed any signs
of objection to my eating and drinking at any time - even those that were
cooking food. I don't remember specifically if the street traders stopped
cooking food on the street at that time but I'm pretty sure that they didn't
(or parhaps it was only after sunset). Maybe it's a lot like here and
Easter. Some think it a highly special religious time, while others think
it's for gorging out on chocolate.

--
Nick
x

There are two secrets to success...
1. Never reveal everything you know.

Reply to this Message