Eid Al-Adha: Bunking with Brandi

Day Two : shoowa and rice, with assorted fruits/vegetables

So this weekend was Eid Al-Adha, otherwise known as "Big Eid" (in more colloquial circles). I've had a bit of an unusual experience in that the majority of my host family went to their village while I made alternative plans - and for the last few days, and the next few as well, I've been bunking with Brandi and her host family in Muscat. 

It's been super cool, and although I sort of wish my host family was here I know I'll be spending plenty more time with them soon. And I've had a really good time. On Saturday, we woke up and went outside to watch and take pictures of the sacrifices.Then we got all dressed up (Brandi and I borrowed dresses from her host sister), did our makeup (I had Omani charcoal eyeliner done for the first time) and set out to visit the family. Over the course of the day we went to six (?) houses, and at each one we ate a little more: assorted Eid sweets, bits of meat, bread, fruits, and many cups of Omani coffee. We also practiced our greetings, which vary person to person as well as with what one remembers at a given moment (if you forget the formal greeting, try to move on with a smile and a simple "Eid Mubarak!").

Sunday morning... Well, we slept through Sunday morning. But Sunday afternoon we saw the shoowa (meat from the sacrifice which has been cooked underground in banana leaves for a day) brought back, and then we had bits of it with rice and vegetables. Brandi and I even tried a bit of the brain... Although I can't say it was my favorite thing in the world, I'm glad I can now say I've tried it. 

Eid is really cool. It's probably one of the more cultural times of year, and I'm really happy to have experienced it. In just a few short days, I've had my henna done, I've tried goat/sheep brains (I'm honestly not sure which) and I've spent time in the homes and company of some really nice people. 

I'm very grateful for my opportunity to experience this. I am thankful for the people who support my decision to be here, and for those who have already set out to someday make similar decisions of their own. I am so blessed to be able to share Omani culture with you - to be able to share it with myself, and this holiday has been a time for me to reflect on and continue to experience the intricacies of Oman. 

🎶Tu Meri - Bang Bang (Hindi Movie) Soundtrack🎶

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