Koriteh

Ramadan ended a couple of weeks ago with Eid-ul-Fitr, also known here as Koriteh. During the final days fasting, families prepared for the feast that would follow. Markets were full, and tailors worked day and night on new outfits for the celebrations. I was invited to the compound of a friend, Ebrima, for a Koriteh meal with his family, and later to a party with other friends. It has become easier to make progress once again at work, as colleagues are better fed and therefore less prone to falling asleep in the afternoon. Moreover I do not have to go and hide each time I want to eat or to sip water. I joined the fasting for one week – that was enough for me, but my Gambia friends here appeared to view it as some kind of amazing achievement!

     

I have written a little more about lazy days on the beach, soggy walks through rice fields, and a short account about a volunteer who came to Africa and was mauled by a big cat. For these stories (and a bunch of new pictures), click on Weekends.