Another Ramadan, Another Eid, and Another Shot at Trying to Hug a Stranger.

Posted on September 21, 2009
Filed Under Daily, Life in L.A., The Boss | 11 Comments

On Sunday, The Boss and I celebrated Eid (formally called Eid-ul-Fitr) which is the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan.  It’s always a really exciting time of year because everyone exchanges presents, eats wonderful food, and spends quality time with family and friends. But this holiday is also super sad because it marks the end of the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. I feel lonely when it’s over, and I get a sinking feeling in my heart, which takes a few days to shake. This year was also a little extra sad because, even though living in L.A. is totally awesome, it means that The Boss and I couldn’t be with our families.

Wow.
That was all like, super depressing.
I should probably go for a walk or something.
My apologies, Readers.

So yesterday, we woke up early and headed down Main St. to get to the mosque where we attended the special Eid prayer at 8 a.m. Driving down this road, I thought to myself, Is there any city in America, or any place in the world that doesn’t have a Main St.?

I couldn’t think of one.
Can you?

The Boss and I wore traditional Islamic clothes to the mosque for the prayer, but then changed before we headed out to lunch. I got him this shirt as a gift last year. I love baby blue and brown. It’s one of my favorite color combinations — to look at, but not to wear. Weird, right? I just don’t think blues and browns look that great on me. I guess you could say this gift was me living vicariously through The Boss.

We parked our car, and as we were walking to the mosque I told The Boss that I couldn’t hug a stranger and wish them a Happy Eid, which is what you do after the prayer is over.

I was like, “I don’t know anyone here,” and he goes, “That doesn’t matter, they’re all Muslims,” and I was like, “I didn’t hug anyone last year because I didn’t know anyone then either,” and he was all, “I didn’t know anyone either” and I was like, “You hugged them?” and he goes, “Of course, that’s from the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad” and then he goes, “You can do it, just try” and I go, “What if I just fell face first into that cactus?” and he was all, “What?” and he yanked me around to the other side of him away from all the prickly bushes most presumably because he thought I was capable of inflicting some sort of bodily harm to myself in order to avoid hugging a stranger after the prayer, and it’s totally weird that he knows me that well.

I mean, would you want to hug someone whose face was bleeding?
I didn’t think so.

After the prayer, someone started to give a short sermon, and I started to stress about who I was going to hug. The talk was just about over, and a girl sitting next to me looked to be my age so I thought I’d muster up the courage to hug her. But then the talk ended, and she stood up, and turned the other way, and I didn’t know what do to. As everyone headed for the stairs to leave the mosque (and eat the donuts outside) all I could think was Oh crap. The Boss is going to ask me who I hugged, and I’m going to have to lie on Eid.

And then, Readers.
Something totally awesome happened.

As I was about to walk out the doors, someone got my attention and asked me if I was Sabrina. I’m pretty sure I paused for a second before I said yes because sometimes I randomly forget who I am, my age, and where I’m going (should probably get that checked out) and turns out, it was an SOL reader! How cool is that! She lives in Hollywood, and said she’s been reading since forever, and what a perfect time to hug someone, and say Happy Eid!

It was absolutely serendipitous.

But you want to know something even crazier? While I was meeting an SOL reader in L.A., my sister met one at a friend’s house back in the D.C. area. Imagine that. Both of us met SOL readers the same weekend!

After the prayer, The Boss and I decided on Thai for lunch, and found a place called Natalee Thai, and this was one of the items on the menu.
Immature? Maybe a little.
Hilarious? Of course.

I ordered a coconut water, and they brought out a whole coconut, with the top cracked off, a straw for the juice, a spoon for the pulp, and a tiny umbrella for decoration.
It was chilled and delicious.

The design of the restaurant is so very pretty. It’s contemporary but still cozy, and I loved the attention to detail.
Each napkin had the utensils tucked inside, and out of sight, and was folded and tied with a piece of twine-like string.

Every one was in a perfect bow.

The food was delicious, and if you live in the Los Angeles area, I would definitely recommend that you give this place a try. They have a location in Culver City, and one in Beverly Hills.

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend, and for those of you who celebrated, I hope you had a wonderful Eid.

Happy Monday, Readers.

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