Lakemba is said to be Australia's unofficial Muslims capital, and it's not difficult to find out why, if you visit the area. While you frequently come in contact with Muslims from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Irans, Afghanistan etc the main component of population is Arab, with Lebanese contingent making the largest chunk in that category. We visited Haldon street in Lakemba on June 11, 2017 when first half of Ramadan was blissfully passed. The Street presented a typical Arab scenario with small make-shift stalls stuffed mainly with middle eastern food but also occasional subcontinental BunKabab and chicken rolls in the mix. The aroma emanating from the fresh meat, spices, sweets, and vegetables being cooked was alluring and enticing. Had heard a lot about Camel burger so I tried one, and must admit it was much more delicious than I expected, hence went for a second round. Men and women of all ages, hues, shades, and nationalities strolling up & down the street enjoying burger/shawarma/BunKabab/corn and other sweet items abundantly available on Haldon. The street is filled with a sleepless kilometer of cafes, restaurants, hair salons, Halal butchers, kebab shops, bakeries, supermarkets, bookstores and small kiosks haphazardly erected to sell fast food during Ramadan (night time) and make quick bucks. Some of the shop names were displayed in Arabic, and for a short while I thought being on KingKhalid Street in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia. Majority of people, especially old-aged, spoke Arabic with English playing as the second fiddle. Men with Thobs & women with Abayas were in quite significant numbers as if Lakemba isn't a suburb in Sydney, Australia but a town of Al-Sydney, SaudiArabia. It was a lovely evening with reasonably cold weather which we enjoyed a great deal. Upon seeing people with broad smiles on faces, chirping with each other endlessly, giggling kids running up & down, and young ones breaking into guffaws over silly things took me back to memory lane and a smile broke on my face reminiscing my own silly but happy moments! read more