One week in Lebanon
One of the things I like most about travelling is meeting new people; you’re never too old to make new friends! Two years ago, during the month of April, I decided I wanted to go on a road trip to New York City. None of my close friends was available, so I started asking around at my university and seeing if someone was interested in joining me. Next thing I knew, I was going to NYC with seven people, including five that I had never met before: exciting! But that article isn’t about New York, I’ll keep that for another time!
Ever since that trip to the Big Apple, I have remained very close friends with Johanne, and had the chance to travel with her afterwards. She visited me when I was living in Paris in June 2014, and then a month later, I was traveling to Beirut.
I must say that Lebanon isn’t a country that I was planning on going to in a near future, due to its political instability. Although, receiving such a warm invitation was something I could not refuse, so I jumped in a plane and met with Johanne and her family later in July. I have done so much in a week there, that I don’t even know where to begin.
The view from Saydet El Nourieh
First things first, the food will blow your mind. My pictures don’t do it justice, but I can guarantee that it is absolutely delicious. Tabbouleh, hummus, zaatar, haloumi cheese, and the list goes on. Don’t expect to maintain that bikini body you’ve been working on for months! #sorry
Being located along the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon has many beautiful beaches. The most common thing there is to go to hotels, rent a beach lounger, and then relax and enjoy the view.
I can’t write a post about Beirut without mentioning its fabulous nightlife. People there definitely know how to party, and during summertime, they never stop. It’s party time from Monday to Sunday. Clubs are aesthetically beautiful and either modern or authentic, plus people dress to impress.
Traditional music at MusicHall Waterfront, Beirut.
A regular night at Skybar, Beirut.
The culture there is extremely diversified. Lebanon has such a long and rich history, starting from Prehistory and Ancient Antiquity. It shows when you’re walking around certain regions/villages. For example, the city of Byblos is considered being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world (5000 BC). Also, you have places like Beiteddine Palace, and many other places of worship all around the country. There's just so much to see and appreciate!
Finally, I can’t thank the people I met there enough for their hospitality. Everyone has just been so nice to me, and I really appreciated every single moment. Johanne, Tatiana, Tara & your friends and family, thank you for making this trip memorable! #habibi
The top 3 cities I've visited in Lebanon