Most of the high school students are fasting for Ramadan. That means they are fasting during the day from Suhoor (around 4:50 am) and Iftar (around 5:45 pm). The time changes slightly each day in keeping with dusk and dawn. While fasting, they do not eat, drink, or smoke. Most of the staff at school are also fasting as well.
Students asked me if I am fasting, which I am not. They tell me that it is healthy (which I don't believe) and that it is cleansing (possibly). Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. I was talking about it with two 11th graders on Friday. They told me it helps them to be disciplined and Ramadan is not just about fasting but a way to get in touch with your religion. They told me during Ramadan, you should refrain from using bad language, drinking, and that you should work to be a good person.
Ramadan is also a bit of a celebration and most people seem happy to participate as they spend time with friends, family, and co-workers in the evening. It does, however; effect the sleep of people who are fasting and that is why students are tired at school. Students are staying up later at night to visit with friends and family. If they do go to sleep, they are getting up for Suhoor. Some go back to bed after eating, only to get up in a few hours for school.
On a positive note, the students who were not too tired to participate, seemed calmer and after Monday, the rest of the week went pretty well. On Tuesday, after we got done with our classes; Gazmend and I went to the municipality building to meet with the municipal director of education. I needed permission to do the WriteOn competition at the upper-elementary with Teuta (as per the director of the upper-elementary). He readily gave me permission and said that I was welcomed in any of the municipalities' schools.
Wednesday, I left the last class at the vocational school early to meet Teuta and go to the upper-elementary. Nine 8th graders took part in the WriteOn competition. After I got home, I read through their creative writing and was impressed with their ability to write in English.
Wednesday evening, I went with Teuta to a show at the house of culture that commemorated the 27 years since the start of the armed conflict in Kosovo. The show had two singers who sang classical and traditional music, and it was a nice performance.
Beautiful spring weather in Kaçanik
Friday was teacher appreciation day and Saturday was International Women's Day. To celebrate, all of our classes were shortened to 30 minutes and we got done teaching early. The female teachers received a potted flower and some of our staff met for coffee or tea in the evening at Trofta (which is a restaurant not far from our school). The day was a nice surprise.
Where the Lepence and Nirodemi Rivers come together
A gorgeous view of Ljuboten Saturday Morning
The top of the peak from near the old mosque
Date muffins for breakfast
Since I got done early with school, I contacted Noah in Ferizaj to see if he was available to witness my absentee ballot. Fortunately, he was, even though he was just getting over the flu. I took the 1 pm bus to Ferizaj. We met outside near his apartment and then I took it to the post office in Ferizaj to mail it.
Saturday morning, after making some date muffins and eating one for breakfast, I took a walk. During Ramadan, those who are fasting will sleep in and even at 9 am when I went for my walk there were very few people out. The high temperatures since Wednesday have been in the low to mid 60s and it has been Sunday. One week of Ramadan is done and three to go.
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