While people continuously long to explore their passions and discover their hidden talents, self-discovery flourishes more in times of inner peace and high spirituality, elements that form the essence of Ramadan. This guide offers a number of exciting self-discovery pursuits you can explore this Ramadan that also provide a great opportunity to connect with loved ones through shared activities.
Home Gardening
Gardening is one of the best hobbies that relieves stress and relaxes you, and it can actually be done without a garden, in the luxury of your own home. You can start by a visit to your nearest florist for pickseedings of your favourite flowers and get directions on how to care for them. Jasmine, Orchid, and Roses can be grown in pots at home.
Learn A New Language
Learning a new language opens a gateway to another culture, including literature, music, cinema, and traditions. Ramadan can be the perfect opportunity to start this journey. You just need to choose which language captures your interest, and head to the relevant cultural center offering language courses based on your current level.
Sightseeing
There are plenty of hidden gems in Old Cairo, places that promise its visitors culture, heritage, and joyful memories to savour. These magical adventures involving activities like sightseeing, shopping for antiques, and iftar at local restaurants are perfect to enjoy with friends. Examples include Khan Al Khalili, the Cairo Citadel, and Muhammad Ali Mosque area.
Take up a Musical Instrument
Music can really heal your soul, and learning to play a musical instrument can be a truly enriching experience. Whether your choice is piano, guitar, violin, drums, or even the trumpet, the Opera House offers plenty of classes for beginners, with each full course running for about 3 months. The spiritual month of Ramadan may be the ideal chance to explore your hidden talents.
Learn to Cook
What better way to explore a variety of Ramadan’s main dishes, desserts and suhour appetizers than by taking cooking classes with friends or family. There are several places where you can take lessons, including Monappetit, which offers a vast array of cooking classes taught by world class chefs.
Take up Photography
Photography can be an excellent hobby to pursue in Ramadan, especially given the abundance of beautiful scenery and historic monuments in Egypt. Start by setting a budget for a camera and related equipment and take some online tutorials to sharpen your beginner’s skills.
Visit the Public Library
The Greater Cairo Public Library in Zamalek, one of Egypt’s most beautiful libraries, is a great place to borrow a book and quietly enjoy it. Previously known as the palatial home of Princess Samiha, the daughter of Sultan Hussien who ruled Egypt from 1914 to 1917, she gifted it in 1984 to the Egyptian government, stipulating it should be used for cultural purposes.
Practice Yoga
Proven to promote relaxation, yoga stretches the body and clears the mind from all of its negative thoughts. Explore the many places, such as Flexana, that offer a wide variety of classes to suit different levels, starting from beginners sessions to advanced classes.