Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
You’re invited to my Ma’salama, that invite, or something similar, has been popping up far too frequently over the last few month via Whatsapp or email.
Ma’salama parties come in all shapes and sizes - the small dinner party, the compound party etc, and some people don’t have a ma’salama, they sneak out in the dead of night, only telling their nearest and dearest they are leaving.
It is hard to say goodbye to friends and for us that are not leaving it’s hard not to tell yourself, not to bother making new friends if they leave. But I do try and remember that when an old friend departs it creates space for new friends to come in! (She says with a box of tissues!)
With Ramadan around the corner, all types of parties and celebrations are being squashed into the calendar so it feels like all the Ma’salamas are happening very close together.
My first Ma’salama gathering this year took place at a hotel resort taking advantage of its fantastic Monday deal for ladies, which includes beach and pool access with one free drink. It was actually our book club ‘day out’ too but the lady organising it was leaving so it was kind of a book club Ma’salama day out, without the books!
My second Ma’Salama gathering at a delightful Mexican restaurant included live music and karaoke. I had made a promise with myself not to sing, dance or take numerous selfies with the sombreros but it was not a promise I was able to keep.
The evening left me re-energised and with kids exams over I can continue with a few more Ma’salamas, including a coming reggae party … everything is going to be alright!
