It is official, this year's raya is my most low profile raya ever.
It was, in fact, close to becoming a non-event. After the eid prayer (performed as early as 6.15am... almost missed it, got the 2nd rakaat in jamaah though!) I did not go out of the house or see anybody until the evening, 6.30pm to be precise.
Thanks to fellow Riyadians, Messrs Sharif & Azman, they rescued my raya and brought me to the ambassador's residence in the Diplomatic Quarter in the west of Riyadh. It was a good get together for those who are still left in Riyadh for raya, my guess is that about 200+ came to hear a speech by our new ambassador, Dato' Dr Ismail Ibrahim (previously of IKIM). After that, we went makan.
As anticipated, the customary nasi himpit & kuah kacang was served (hence my raya finally felt like raya), alongside nasi beriyani, bihun goreng, biskut cornflakes and others. Whew, what a relief!
If given a choice, I would rather celebrate at tanah tumpah darah anytime.....
