Sunday was the end of Ramadan, the month long fast in Islam. During this month, the only food and water consumed was before the sunrise, or once the sun had already set. This fast is used as a way for people to think about those less fortunate than themselves, to experience hunger and thirst, and hopefully also compassion. Arriving in Niamey in the middle of the fasting month was both interesting and difficult. It was interesting to see people living in a less developed country meditating on the situation of those less fortunate than themselves. In the words on Ben Harper, I felt blessed to be a witness of such extraordinary times.
Sunday was a big party! People were out and about in their finest clothes, eating and talking the whole day with friends and family. Here is a picture of our guard and his wife celebrating early on in the frontyard.
We walked around a bit on Sunday, enjoyed some chicken and couscous, and took in the sights. The streets were busier than I had ever seen them! I was glad to see people eating together!
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