What is Ramadan? This week Patrice and Rachel interviewed two of our Muslim friends, Abdullah from Saudi Arabia and Kareemah from Louisiana. We picked their brains, and they told us all about the surprisingly fun time they have while they eat and drink very little for 27 days straight! They take us inside the holiday — from the world’s earliest breakfast to very late night gatherings, some of their struggles, their favorite parts of Ramadan, and why they’re sad when it’s over. Also a huge thanks to Caroline in Panamá, who sent us one of our new favorite Lost in Translation moments! This episode is full of fascinating perspective and infectious laughs — you don’t want to miss it!

In Language News, check out the list of words from the BBC, for emotions that we have all experienced but have never heard because they’re in different languages! Included: a  Filipino word for the urge to pinch or squeeze something that is irresistibly cute. Rachel also called this “cute aggression.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/39141780/theres-now-a-word-for-nails-on-a-blackboard—but-its-not-in-english

To hear the full Ramadan song that we played, sent to us by Abdullah, here it is on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjzE4Uj7kIM&

And check out Kareemah’s blog on being a female  Muslim globe trotter! Here’s the article she mentions about traveling while fasting: https://www.hijabiglobetrotter.com/fast-while-traveling/

The Islamic Relief Fund, the humanitarian organization that Kareemah mentioned, can be reached here: http://irusa.org/

Finally, here’s a picture of a bunch of Ramadan lanterns (Fanoos) that Abdullah mentioned, used to decorate homes during the holy month. They are gorgeous!!

source: https://www.vix.com/en/ovs/jet-lagged/58135/what-is-the-story-behind-the-ramadan-lantern

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