We were again invited this year to an iftar (fast-breaking meal during the holy month of Ramadan) by Tim’s Saudi colleagues. We had a very enjoyable time, with everybody waiting for the official breaking of the fast (to the second), then having some dates and tea to renew energy, and then a delicious meal. The event was held at a military facility, and this was one of the men serving traditional Arabic coffee (which I mistakenly called tea at first).
It was quite interesting since it was an officers’ club, there was no restroom for women (a common problem in government buildings). So they designated a men’s room for ladies with a privacy screen and a guard in front of it. I kept arguing with the guard that it really was a men’s room and was he sure I could go in, and he said I could. A woman I met in there said the arrangement wasn’t entirely foolproof and that men still managed to use it.
I have another portrait from this event that I like, but I need Tim to get the subject’s approval to post it.
A modern gate, posted earlier:
