I just learned to not travel to a conservative Muslim country during the month of Ramadan. I had been in liberal Abu Dhabi for 3 months but did a solo trip to Doha for the entire month of March which was the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast, no eating or drinking, from dawn to dusk during Ramadan so EVERY cafe, coffee shop, food court, and restaurant was closed until 6pm. The only place to get food was the grocery store; I went there every morning to have food for the day in my hotel room. Even non-Muslims cannot drink or eat in public during Ramadan.
Surprised me that Doha is that conservative. The other surprising thing was no music or loud talking during Ramadan fasting hours. Even now, post-Ramadan, shops and eateries are closed during Friday prayer times.
I enjoyed all of you commenting. I especially liked the details that Aaron contributed like Ginza being rebuilt after a fire.
I just learned to not travel to a conservative Muslim country during the month of Ramadan. I had been in liberal Abu Dhabi for 3 months but did a solo trip to Doha for the entire month of March which was the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast, no eating or drinking, from dawn to dusk during Ramadan so EVERY cafe, coffee shop, food court, and restaurant was closed until 6pm. The only place to get food was the grocery store; I went there every morning to have food for the day in my hotel room. Even non-Muslims cannot drink or eat in public during Ramadan.
We were in Malaysia during Ramadan, and the stores were all open. I had no idea Doha was that strict.
Surprised me that Doha is that conservative. The other surprising thing was no music or loud talking during Ramadan fasting hours. Even now, post-Ramadan, shops and eateries are closed during Friday prayer times.