In Lebanon there's something for you
In Lebanon you can find an enjoyable experience for you or your family from snow covered
mountains, beach resorts, world famous restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and historic
sites. Growing up visiting the country I always felt there was something new to discover but until 2007 and 2009 did I enjoy it more than ever before. From driving through the mountains with a little rented car to attending the David Guetta concert I thoroughly enjoyed every minute there and barely slept. This blog focuses on my experiences as well as recommendations from different gathered sources.
Experiences I will never forget..
Exploring the capital with its dozens of avenues gives city slickers and shopaholics much to look forward to, with great malls like the ABC in Ashrafiyyah or the famous Hamra Street which is very well known and situated next to the prestigious American University in Beirut (AUB, n.d)). When one walks through the AUB campus its as though you are walking through history, and this rings true because the entire campus was established in 1866 by American Missionary Daniel Bliss, and till this day has the old trees and monastery style buildings which are now used by thousands of students from everywhere around the world. I have always felt there was a gap between people from America and Lebanon, and many people think of it as a desert or uncivilized, but this misconception is far from the truth. Lebanon was once known as the Switzerland of the middle east for its ski resorts and gorgeous mountains.
Diversity of Religion & Culture..
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| Virgin Mary and Child |
Although there are political issues between the Militia Hizbullah, this is relatively just in the south, and most Lebanese who aren't from their sect do not partake in their actions nor condone them. On the other hand I have always been
welcome to Lebanon, being and looking like an American most people speak to me in English and are
surprised when I speak in Arabic and tell them I am half Lebanese. You can go out with people and never know who
belongs to what religion. If we discuss politics or religion, our diversity is
celebrated and we learn from one another. The main faiths in Lebanon include Christians, Druze, and Muslims, and many sects of these and other religions.
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| Hariri Mosque in Hamra |
I love you when you bow in your mosque, kneel in your temple, pray in your church. For you and I are sons of one religion, and it is the spirit. - (Jibran, n.d)
What to Do..
Mountains of Lebanon
Whether you are traveling up the beautiful snow covered mountains for winter-sports or getting some a cool breeze during summer in the cedars the surrounding mountains and forests are a sight to behold. I remember driving through the mountains and finding this deep gorge called the devils valley in which a river runs through. My cousins and I hiked up to 600 year old monastery which is built into part of a mountain, we toured the different rooms and drank from the fresh mountain water the monks offered visitors. Some of the rooms which monks had stayed in for years and each with its own ancient smelling qualities had only rosaries, bibles and simple bedding . Afterwards we hiked down from the monastery all the while eating fresh raspberries to found a private area in the river and jumped in, I remember freezing because it was early summer and although it was hot the water was ice cold.
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| Ski Lifts in the Cedars |
Ski Resorts & the Cedars
Lebanon has six key ski resorts Cedars, Laqlouq, Mzaar, Faqra and Qanat Bakish which are all situated near each other (Ski Lebanon, n.d). These resorts include restaurants,
bars/clubs and lifts and have lessons for beginning snow boarders or ski. You
can rent ski-mobiles and go around the mountains and explore away from the
resorts if you are adventurous.
Historical sites of Lebanon
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| Ancient Roman Ruins |
Sidon and Tyre is another famous spot for tourists who like to see many of the Roman ruins on the coast. Many Christians and Muslims revere the place because it is the spot that Jesus Christ visited according to the bible.
Concerts and Entertainment
During my visit in 2007 my cousins and I went to a Carole Smaha Concert in Jounieh, which is a port city right before Beirut. It was really impressive because the venue utilizes an old roman auditorium, where we all sat together on stone steps. While we took in the beautiful open air with the ocean breeze and nearby restaurants filling our noses we listened to one of Lebanon's top divas. A few days later we also went to Casino du Liban which is the largest in the country and holds many shows, the night we went a group of Spanish dancers and entertainers were there, we were served at our table while we watched the impressive display and talent of these dancers.
In 2009 a group of 5 friends and I went Biel to attend the "F*** me im famous" concert for David Guetta. To describe it is very hard, but imagine one of the newer open venues in Lebanon where you are basically out on a huge peninsula that overlooks the night skyline of Beirut, it was such a magical view and the music and atmosphere were great, with well over 12,000 people waiting for Guetta to get on stage, he came out with a great light show and yelled out how much he always loves coming to Lebanon, where the fans are like no other and the music got everyone dancing.
In 2009 a group of 5 friends and I went Biel to attend the "F*** me im famous" concert for David Guetta. To describe it is very hard, but imagine one of the newer open venues in Lebanon where you are basically out on a huge peninsula that overlooks the night skyline of Beirut, it was such a magical view and the music and atmosphere were great, with well over 12,000 people waiting for Guetta to get on stage, he came out with a great light show and yelled out how much he always loves coming to Lebanon, where the fans are like no other and the music got everyone dancing.
Where to Eat..
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| Street Vendor selling Kaak |
Lebanese food is of the most diverse dishes in the world, taking
aspects from Arabian, Turkish, Mediterranean and even European ingredients.
Historically Lebanon was a major port city for traders and with these travelers
came different dishes and styles of preparing food. It has plenty of dishes
including over hundreds of appetizers that are brought out at traditional restaurants like
Al Ferdows in Sir Mountain area. Taking a trip to these traditional restaurants
you should expect to stay for a few hours either for lunch or dinner. Many Lebanese bring
extended families and friends to watch a concert and have a great meal. One
must realize the higher up the mountain you go the better the restaurant. Of
course at these restaurants service is very exclusive but all costs around
60.00 USD a person an experience you cannot miss while on vacation at least once.
If you are hungry for a quick bite on the go there is of course many fast food places like McDonald's and Falafel vendors. I would recommend staying away from drinking the tap water or any drinks with tap water, and just sticking to bottled drinks.
If you are hungry for a quick bite on the go there is of course many fast food places like McDonald's and Falafel vendors. I would recommend staying away from drinking the tap water or any drinks with tap water, and just sticking to bottled drinks.
Desert times in the evenings is very popular, walking on the beach of Mina
in Tripoli or the Raouche Avenue in Beirut. These places are chic and serve
fresh Lebanese ice cream and sweets. The top place for sweets though is called
Abdul Rahman Hallab & Sons located in Tripoli. At the sweet palace you can relax and enjoy the best Arab Sweets in the world for close to 5-10 USD. But you might have your hands full bringing back boxes of sweets for yourself or as gifts, be careful!
Cost, Stay, and transportation..
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| The Lebanese Lira (equal to .75) |
Costs in Lebanon depends varies according to where you
stay and your habits. But if you are on a tight budget you can still enjoy it, and I really didn't have to spend much to feel like I had done so much.
Hotels:
If you are visiting during the summer and want stay in Beirut,
upscale hotels and resorts vary from 500- 600 USD a month. Hostels are
available also throughout the country, but since I have friends and family I ended up staying with them most of the time, and making many more friends along the way.
Transportation:
Car Rentals are usually
anywhere from 60-100 USD per day, but taxis are cheap as long as you negotiate
the prices with them ahead of time and make sure they don’t charge you extra
for being a tourist.
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| National Flag of Lebanon |
Final Thoughts:
Lebanon has what any tourist needs because it is a country which seemingly was meant to be a getaway in the winter or summer, on the beach or in the mountains, quiet nature or booming concerts, you name it you got it is the motto. Current political unrest caused by different groups like Hizbullah and the media portrayal of "bad Arabs" try to take this away but the truth is that anyone who goes there will know how great Lebanon is, and that is what keeps them going back.
American University
of Beirut - AUB Home - Home . (2013, July 30). American
University of Beirut - AUB Home - Home .
Retrieved July 30, 2013, from http://www.aub.edu.lb/main/Pages/index.a
Jibran, J. K.
(n.d.). Khalil Gibran Quotes- BrainyQuote. Famous Quotes at BrainyQuote. Retrieved July
30, 2013, from http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/auth
Lebanese Cultural
Ministry. (2013, July 30). Ministry of Culture. Retrieved July 26, 2013, from www.culture.gov.lb/ministere/index.php?
Twain, M. (2013,
July 30). 41 - The Innocents Abroad - Mark Twain (1835-1910). Books &
Literature Classics. Retrieved July 30, 2013, from http://classiclit.about.com/library/bl-etexts/mtwain/bl-mtwain-innocents-
Ski Lebanon. (2013,
July 30). Ski Lebanon - Hotels in Faraya, Mzaar and Cedars - Skiing Holiday. Ski Lebanon -
Hotels in Faraya, Mzaar and Cedars - Skiing Holiday.
Retrieved July 25, 2013, from http://www.skileb.com/
