Eid Mubarak 1428

2008 - Much more better..

Year 2006 - Meal

Year 2006 - only us

Kullu Am Wa Antum Bi Khair...

Like we usually say in Malaysia " Selamat Hari Raya AidilFitri, Maaf Zahir Batin" here they will wish people with these phrases when meet each other. This year we celebrate Eid right here in Yanbu. Just like the first year when we arrived in Yanbu. But this time is much more better, because we have it with other Malaysian families. During the first year, we spent our eid at home. There were few Malaysians at that time but mostly single and they opted to fly back and celebrate Eid in Malaysia.

In 2006 about 30 Malaysians in Yanbu but now we have more than 150 with families. Such a big number. When the number was small, we used to have small pot luck gathering and had chit chat and socialized to get to know to each other. But when the number is big, it is difficult to gather all at once. Some due to different timeframe and also space limitation. However the tradition still continues. Except the venue has changed. From individual house to hotels and restaurants which can accomodated more.

Having more Malaysians here it means we are going to see Malaysian traditions and cultures. Though there are many of us right here, but it does not mean we can easily transfer our tradition and practise them right here. Example, music in public is not allowed. If you want to listen music, make sure its within your hearing and in your compound. I usually joined my husband company dinner in Radison or Holiday Inn. Though they are Americans they know how to respect local cultures. They have their gathering but they observe the limitations.Their woman put on decent dress and also abayas on. I wonder it must difficult for them but they still show their respect.

Apart from that, local people did not allow mixed party among them. They have separate sessions male and female. Except if they are family members, then you may see them sit or dine together in public. Therefore big crowd in public, man and woman maybe not to encourage. Likewise in Malaysia, we have all those so fun time Family Gathering where all family members can join and play together, Company Annual Dinner or Family Day. Even in house-gathering we still need to observe if the crowd is too big, we need to ensure space between man and woman.

Yanbu - A new place with different climate and different cultures. Hope everybody can survive and enjoy the city as it is.