my first breaking of the fast in NA

so, i had the absolute privilege of breaking the fast the first night of Ramadan. i was super stoked about this and the idea that my friend wanted me to be with her family. it was great. here family had just recently moved to a new area that has grown tremendously in the last few years. it was interesting. i had decided to fast as well to get the full experience and learn what and why they do what they do. below are shots from the roof. we watched some men lay down mats to offer a makeshift mosque for men (and women) to come and pray close to home. there wasn't a mosque built yet, but i am guessing this may be the location for the planning of one. they had speakers as well to broadcast the call. while on the roof we also took a few photos of me, my friend, and her sis. it was an incredible view for sure. many of these apartment buildings you see in the photo with the makeshift mosque. i also got to practice language a lot as my friend knows just some English. i was also really excited about the fact that my friend even let me help prepare some of the food. normally you are commanded to sit in the salon (living room) while they prepare the food and all. so, we waited until the early evening call (and the TV) to signal that it was time to break the fast. you can see on the table the assortment of foods that are prepared and eaten for the ftur (as they call it here). there are staple foods for this occasion that are served every single night of Ramadan. those being: dates, harira (tomato based soup that is really, really good), shebakia (a really sweet candy almost), boiled eggs, rif (flat dough which can be filled with sauteed veggies and fat--yes f-a-t) these triangle things that can be sweet or salty (and are amazing!), milk, coffee, and tea. some of the other things here vary from house to house. it was really incredible and interesting of course. we watched TV while eating and not a lot of talking happened, but we did comment on how good the food was and all. after this meal we went and walked about the neighborhood for like two hours! just trying to help that food digest. it was incredible though as the streets came alive! see, a lot of places are closed during the day--especially cafe's and such, so the folks are itching to get out and socialize.
some families literally switch from day to night. they will still eat their dinner (which is normally served at 10pm or so), but just a bit later, like at midnight or 1am. then get up before the early morning call to prayer for a morning meal. then maybe sleep late as they have been up later and up again for that breakfast meal. then, other families may not do all three meals. i got exhausted after the ftur and walking about that i asked if i could sleep a bit before the next meal. i ended up not waking up for the midnight/1am tagine (traditional dish) dinner, but was woken up for the 4am tagine (again traditional dish) leftovers. then went back to sleep for a bit before i had to leave for school. i stayed at her family's house. really, it was an incredible experience. i am very grateful! stay posted for more ftur updates!