Ramadan as a digital nomad

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Hey Freaking Nomads,

Writing this from Oman during Ramadan 🇴🇲

Everything runs slower until sunset here. Many cafés, coworking spaces, and restaurants close or change hours. And even when you can find somewhere open, you’re way more aware of not eating or drinking around people who are fasting.

So I’ve been doing the nomad thing, adapting. This week that’s meant:

No “grab a coffee, sit down, work for 3 hours.” Instead, it’s work from home in the morning (most coworking spaces only open after 11 am), then accept that the day simply has a different rhythm.

I didn’t realize how much I rely on casually grabbing lunch while working until it wasn’t an option. Now it’s eat at home before heading out, bring something discreet, or just wait. And if I’m in a shared space, I’m not going to be the person loudly drinking my bottle of water.

Some days it’s not aesthetic. It’s not my favorite table. The Wi-Fi isn’t amazing. I’m not in my cute little café era, as the kids say. But if I can get the work done, that’s the win.

Honestly, this is the part of nomad life people don’t romanticize enough: you’re constantly adjusting to invisible rules. Cultural norms. Different schedules. Different access to the things you’re used to.

After all, adaptability is not needing everything to go your way to still have a good day.

If you’re in a place right now that’s asking you to change your routine, you’re not doing it wrong. That’s literally the lifestyle.

Just don’t fight the place you’re in. Work with it.

And if today is messy… same. 🙃

Irene

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