Puasa (Fasting)

What a hectic week! With organising uni which starts next week, getting orientated with Yogya and socialising A LOT I haven't had much of a break.

As part of making Yogya my home for the next 6 months and immersing myself in the Javanese culture I've decided to take part in Puasa (or fasting) this week- for a couple of days at least.

Since it's Lebaran/Ramadan the Muslim population of the world is fasting from dawn to dusk so as to cleanse their bodies. No eating, drinking, smoking, consumption of alcohol etc. for the entire fasting period. Fasting month in Yogya is crazy everyone gets up at 3am for their last meal, last glass of water and last smoke before the day begins. Warungs are opened everywhere for a couple of hours and home delivery of food parcels at 3am is common practice. When the first call to prayer is heard at 4.30 the food and drink is immediately put down and the more seriously Muslims head to mosque for the morning prayers. Others pray at home, whilst others (seemingly the majority) save up their prayers for later and head back to bed. This dynamic mix of religious practice is interesting and refreshing. The dedication and faith shown by the Islamic population to fast (even those who only do it every few days) is truly inspiring - not to say that I'm going to go and convert tomorrow.

This week I did Puasa on Wednesday and Friday (Wednesday was full Puasa - so no eating or drinking of any description). Friday was so abnormally hot I has to drink some water (although I refrained considerably). It's actually surprisingly easy it is when you put your mind to it. Wednesday as my first attempt I was prepared to drink water I needed but it was like riding a bike up a hill. Your all energy at first and then you begin to dwindle and need a rest (a 2hour nap in my case) and then u start again with fresh momentum. And then you arrive at your destination totally fulfilled.

Friday in contrast was difficult. It was hot and we didn't stop all day and despite drinking a little water by the buka puasa I was definitely headachey and a little weak. I was also demonstrably more dehydrated and it took a while to bring myself back but it is so fulfilling to fast.

When puasa breaks at 5.45 the streets are positively festive. People transcend onto the warungs. The cigarettes, juices, water and food is whipped out and consumed until sold out. Buskers, ladyboys and beggars are out in force and all this combines to make a very entertaining and vibrant couple of hours.

And then it all starts again the next day. Truly amazing. This experience has helped me to realise the necessity to try everything you can when living abroad. To take up every opportunity. The Indonesian's love that you're trying to understand what they're going through (or just think it's hilarious). Either way it's something that needs to be experienced first hand.

Next week I'm thinking of doing several consecutive days to try and experience what Lebaran in really like. Hopefully I can manage!