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Eyes on the prize: First quarter, which means another 3 to go. |
I opened the door and was almost bowled over.
The smell of delicious food hit me like a freight train. The kitchen was in full swing with Hebbat cooking up a storm and the mélange of rich odours all frying, boiling and broiling reminded me that it had been such a very long time since I had eaten.
"Its almost time", she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
She handed me a glass of water and pushed a bowl of dates to the centre of the table. After studying her watch a moment, she quietly said a prayer under her breath then looked up and gave me the nod: it was time.
Just as she had explained, we broke our fast by first drinking water. The relief of finally quenching the day-long thirst was palpable, and we spent a few moments marvelling at the life giving properties of that incredibly simple but vital substance. Neither of us had experienced any serious symptoms of dehydration, about the worst thing being constant presence of a dry mouth. All the same, it was a huge sense of relief knowing that we could now drink as much as we could hold. The first danger was over - we had survived!
Next came the dates. With their high sugar content, they gave us a well needed boost of energy. So rapid was this effect that it seemed you could almost feel the glucose molecules being transported and absorbed into the bloodstream. Following the dates was the delicious and copious meal prepared by Hebbat. The simple act of eating, which we might almost ignore on a normal weeknight was transformed into a real celebration and although we had only accomplished what was average for a routine workday, one had a real sense of achievement, a sense of "we did it!".
But perhaps just as appreciated as food we shared, was the company and the conversation. We both related our various stories of parched throats and mid-morning hunger pangs. Of automatic reflexes and how at one stage I only remembered about Ramadan with a glass of water already to my lips. Of resisting temptation and how good the lunch of Hebbat's work colleagues had smelt. It was a comforting feeling to know that one had not gone through those trials alone and we both agreed that Ramadan heightened one's sense of empathy. It is hard to understand what goes through the mind of someone who is thirsty and hungry unless you experience it for yourself. One forgets how much of a luxury it is to eat and drink whenever the fancy takes us. We imagine more easily the hardships faced by those without easy access to clean drinking water and a stable food supply.
Our stomachs groaning slightly, the most pleasant feeling of fatigue soon overcame us. Anticipating the early start in the morning, we gladly succumbed to bed after the meal was finished. Before my contemplation could wander once more over the magnitude of the days experiences, or amble in anticipation of what the next might bring, I was overtaken by a deep and fitful sleep.
