Happy Ramadan From Me!

Ramadan Shopping Mall Windows

Ramadan is a month long observance when Muslims fast during the daylight hours.  When the sun goes down each day, they break their fast and can eat and drink until the next morning right before dawn.  Many Muslims in Saudi Arabia actually reverse their days and nights and tend to sleep during the day when they are fasting and then stay up all night long when they can eat.  I don't believe this is a common practise in other Muslim countries. 

These are some more samples of window displays of Ramadan Greetings in shops in a local mall here in Jeddah.  

Ready for Ramadan

Ramadan starts soon and the supermarkets and malls are gearing up for the mad rush.  The mall shop windows are decorated and express their Ramadan Greetings.  Colors of choice seem to tend toward gold and blue, although there is no particular color theme (like Christmas tends toward red and green) that I am aware of for the holiest of Islamic months.  

The crescent moon is an important symbol for the month of Ramadan, as its sighting marks both the beginning and the end of the monthlong observance.  

Skywatch - Jeddah Modern Architecture

I thought this photo turned out rather interesting, with the silhouette of the unusual shaped building and the way the setting sun's rays peek over the side of the structure.

To  visit MORE friendly skies around the world, fly on over to SKYWATCH  where you’ll find beautiful skies posted by bloggers all over the world.

Jeddah Purple Wedding

When I saw that City Daily Photo's monthly theme for May was "Purple," my thoughts immediately went to an amazing wedding I attended on Valentine's Day here in Jeddah. The entire ballroom was awash in shades of purple - purple lighting, purple flowers, purple decorations.  

I wrote about this magnificent event and posted many more photos on my other blog, Susie of Arabia. Have a look! Photos of Saudi weddings are rarely seen or posted on public forums.

City Daily Photo is an online community of photo bloggers that share images of life in their cities around the world.  The first of every month is Theme Day for City Daily Photo bloggers.  This month's theme is "Purple."  Be sure to visit the City Daily Photo portal to view other participants' entries for today's theme day.

Jeddah Family Sign at Restaurant

A "Families Only" sign at a local restaurant here in Jeddah - means that "Single Men" are not allowed in this section.  Many restaurants in Saudi Arabia are still gender segregated and have separate entrances and dining areas for single men and families.

Our World - Saudi Woman Working

Even though it's been several years since women started working in fields other than just medical or education, I still take delight in seeing Saudi women working in so many other arenas. Halima works in the Nuts and Spices Department of a large supermarket chain called Manuel here in Jeddah. 

Be sure to visit OUR WORLD TUESDAY, where family-friendly bloggers share a unique glimpse into what life is like all around our ever-amazing planet.