Iftar #2 was actually different than the first one. It was in a different hotel and there were many more Emiratis (locals) there which made it more fun.
First of all, David is taken away to sit with the Emirati men while I fend for myself at the expat table. I'm not allowed to sit with the Emirati men. This is not something I'm upset about.
We sat there at the table staring at the dates, hummus and buttermilk in front of us for about 10 minutes while everyone watched the TV count-down to sunset.
I didn't even have to look at the TV or the sun because suddenly there was a mad rush for the dates and buttermilk followed by a mass exodus to the prayer room. (David is left all by himself at the table with a pile of date pits and empty buttermilk glasses.)
Ten minutes later, after some fast track praying, they mob the buffet. They have been fasting for 14 hours so you learn to just get out of their way.
This buffet is a wonder to behold. There are giant platters of lamb, fish and goat, a wonderful salad bar and something called "harris". I ate "harris" and it tasted like paste. My favorite item is actually on the dessert bar. Um Ali is a warm bread pudding made with sultanas and pistachios and no self-respecting Iftar buffet would be without it. It would be like Thanksgiving (every night for 30 days) without the pumpkin pie.
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