Ramadan Is Here. What Islam’s Holiest Month Is About

I left Lebanon as the sun was rising onto the first day of Ramadan, but watched the celebratory preparation in both Egypt and Lebanon. This is the 5th time I have been in the Islamic Word near or during Ramadan and I was struck how differently each area marks it. While the facets of prayer and reflection are the same, other things change. For instance in Lebanon streets and lampposts were decorated with overhead lights and colorful designs, like our Christmas street light decorations. Happy Ramadan.

Ramadan Is Here. What Islam’s Holiest Month Is About

New York Times, June 5, 2016

Listening to Call to Prayer in Baalbek, Lebanon

One of my favorite things about visiting the Islamic world is listening to call to prayer multiple times a day. I like that it makes me stop and reflect on my life and my blessings. Hearing multiple mosques calls echoing over the Roman Ruins at ‪#‎Baalbek‬ in ‪#‎Lebanon‬ was a beautiful, spiritual, peaceful experience. ‪#‎islamiccalltoprayer‬ ‪#‎calltoprayer‬

The Streets of Cairo

I ended up having coffee in a cafe next to a souvenier shop and the whole time Egyptian girls were stopping by trying on the old fashions from way back when and taking selfies. Eventually these girls asked me if I would be in a photo with them. I clearly am underdressed! 

Friendly Faces in Cairo

The friendliness in Islamic Cairo was so great! I never wanted to leave! 

Photos from Egypt - May 2016

Last month I visited Egypt. These days tourists are mostly going elsewhere, which left it less crowded and perfect for me! I loved the bustle of the big city. I loved the uber friendliness of the people. And most of all, as a political person, I loved having conversations with everyone I met about the Arab Spring, Tahrir Square and Egypt's future. As an experiential learner, there is nothing better for me than seeing it and hearing it first hand.

Click HERE to see more photos from Egypt

Visiting the Middle East by way of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

I haven't known how to personally respond to all this anti-Islam talk. Posting on Facebook isn't enough. Reaching out to Muslim friends isn't quite enough. So I decided to go out and explore the Islamic community in Bay Ridge and be reminded of how much I love the culture. I got in the subway on the UWS and got out in the Middle East and it was awesome! Spice filled aromas, hookah bars, honey laden sweets, glittery dresses, gold jewelry, and the melodic sounds of various Arabic dialects. I spent a little money and engaged with the people I saw. Not sure its anything, but it can't hurt.