The Hajj, the performance of the Islamic pilgrimage in the precincts of Mecca, coincides with the festival of ‘Eid ul-Adha. This is a festival that is celebrated globally by all Muslims who are not on the Hajj. So for 1, 5 billion Muslims worldwide, there is a simultaneous convergence of[…]

 “JUZ? You wanna juz now?” asked the shopkeeper with a knowing smile. Outside the Hashimi Hotel across the narrow street was a small cafe that squeezed oranges. I had discovered that it also juiced carrots. Fresh, sweet carrot juice had become my staple. Carrot juice, which is full of beta-carotene,[…]