Iftad and Shisha

Last night I broke my fast (not that I was really fasting!) in the traditional way of Iftad. Went to the hotel restaurant with some of the crew and after the prayers has shown on the tv, we could start. It's traditional to start with dates, nuts, other dried fruit and milk - so will attach a photo of the start. After that you could have soup (skipped that) and then salads (skipped those too) and then into the good stuff. Photo of my main meal plate attached. It was beautiful! I just could not eat it all (photo attached) but so badly wanted to! And then pudding! Contrary to popular belief I did not eat everything in my pudding bowl - merely loaded it up for you guys - good photo opportunity! Sat there feeling a little ill for a while.
After that we headed to the Ramadan tent - to give you an idea of size, it's been set up on the hotel's rugby field! It was amazing - chandeliers inside and tvs everywhere - nice dining tables and then comfty lounge areas. We paid 60 dhs to get in - which was for food - sooooo did not want any more so they offered us shisha instead. Now before you freak, when in Rome, do as the Romans do - so we tried it. Shisha is basically a packet of flavoured tobacco which goes through water and you smoke it. Not being a smoker made it challenging and didn't try to inhale too hard out. We had apple which was a bad move - Hoda had grape which was nice and light - if I ever was expected to do it again, that's the flavour I'd go for. So there'll be a pic or two of this experience - which was an experience and something I had to try.(Just thought it would take me a bit longer to do so!)
Am having a nice relaxing weekend - wnet to Al Ain mall this am which was deserted as everyone was at mosque - so I managed to get a pic of the inside ice skating rink without being too obvious. And even though I love you guys, I was not about to go on the ice for the photo!
Also spent the am cleaning - now those of you who know me well know I love cleaning - well not so much so here - am kinda over it! There is sand and dust everywhere and keeping my feet clean is a challenge! So I sweep or vacumn most days and wipe a fair bit too - over it! Can't wait til our cleaner starts!
Anyway have managed to sneak into an internet cafe before it really opens - the fast breaks in 10 mins and I can't wait - have my order ready! Hope all is good with you wherever you are - Ramadan Kareem to you - which is happy Ramadan - a time to be nice and giving to each other!