Away for Now: Ramadan Afternoon: A Photo Essay

I met the Bako family at Ritsona refugee camp. They invited me to come back with them to their apartment (about twenty minutes away from the camp) and spend the evening until the rest of the Arcadia clan arrived for dinner. I happily obliged. Here is the resulting photo essay:

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Chalkida, the main town of Evia Island, attracts many international tourists. Hidden in a neighborhood behind a built-up boardwalk, the Bako family lives on a second-floor apartment. June 14, 2017.

Ahmad, 11, watches Shrek the Third on his family's shared laptop; he is the youngest son. Chalkida. June 14, 2017.

Khlail, 20, searches on his desktop for his saved Statistics and Dynamics textbook: "I want to study Mechanical Engineering. This is 1051 pages!" Chalkida. June 14, 2017.

Hiva, 42, prepares potatoes to be cooked later in the afternoon. In observing Ramadan, she has not eaten since 4:00 am. Chalkida, June 14, 2017.

Hiva rests in the common room while Ahmad watches television. Chalkida. June 14, 2017.

Khlail checks the time; he spends exactly two hours at the gym six days per week. Though he is eager to start a new life with his family in Germany, Khlail makes an effort to keep his life "as normal as possible" in Greece. Chalkida. June 14, 2017.

Hiva prepares a cake for Ramadan celebration; her slow movements reflect the exhaustion from a day of fasting. Chalkida. June 14, 2017.

The Bako family's kitchen, complete with a washing machine; this appliance is an exciting upgrade for Hiva, who explains that. in the refugee camp, she had to hand wash all her children's clothes. Chalkida. June 14, 2017.

Hiva displays her method for cutting onions, adding, "If you have to cry, cry." Chalkida. June 14, 2017.

The Euripus Bridge connects Chalkida to the mainland of Greece; the family crosses twice a day (via a volunteer chauffeur) to spend the morning and afternoon in Ritsona refugee camp. June 14, 2017.