It is very ironic and not really in the spirit of the season.
As others have pointed out, it is really ONLY here in the Gulf where you find all this bending over backwards to support those who fast, make it easier for them to stick to their guns. In Egypt, restaurants stay open and if you're the poor bloke who happens to be the cook, well guess what? You still have to stand over the stove and smell all the meat cooking while you're fasting.
It's supposed to be an additional sacrifice that one makes. But here? Working hours get reduced 25% (this year they made most schools stay closed until after Eid!), people sleep half the day and stay up all night (most of my Muslim friends actually GAIN weight during Ramadan).
I'm with Gypsy on this one: why not let individual food establishments (especially places like Chilis that cater to a more western clientele) stay open?
"Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise."
-- Maya Angelou
It is very ironic and not really in the spirit of the season.
As others have pointed out, it is really ONLY here in the Gulf where you find all this bending over backwards to support those who fast, make it easier for them to stick to their guns. In Egypt, restaurants stay open and if you're the poor bloke who happens to be the cook, well guess what? You still have to stand over the stove and smell all the meat cooking while you're fasting.
It's supposed to be an additional sacrifice that one makes. But here? Working hours get reduced 25% (this year they made most schools stay closed until after Eid!), people sleep half the day and stay up all night (most of my Muslim friends actually GAIN weight during Ramadan).
I'm with Gypsy on this one: why not let individual food establishments (especially places like Chilis that cater to a more western clientele) stay open?
"Most plain girls are virtuous because of the scarcity of opportunity to be otherwise."
-- Maya Angelou