My ‘Real’ Beirut Experience

If you ask someone, about Beirut Lebanon, you will get radically different answers. The two factors that affect the reply are if the person has actually been to Beirut and their country of origin? Europeans, American’s, may think one way about Beruit Lebanon, while people from the Middle Easterners another. Many people have stereotypes about Beirut Lebanon. I am want to share, my ‘real’ Beruit experience as a single woman who was lucky enough to see the Paris of the Middle East. I want to tell you about the people, friendship, and the places.

Many people have stereotypes about Beirut Lebanon. I am want to share, my ‘real’ Beruit experience as a single woman who was lucky enough to see the Paris of the Middle East. I want to tell you about the people, friendship, and the places.

Beirut Lebanon Isn’t Like Any Other Place

Sadly, leaving Egypt meant that I immediately missed my dear friend. Rana. But, I looked forward to seeing, my friend Charles in Beirut. I especially looked forward to  meeting his wife, Joelle.

Charles and his wife, Joelle at Harissa Lady of Lebanon

Beirut Lebanon – Food, Shopping, and Medical Tourism

some people as soon as you meet them become are a friend for life. Charles and Joelle are the type of couple you want to spend time with whenever you can. Their kindness and genuine interest make me feel like I am home with friends. As soon as we met, we ate and chatted. We caught up on family events and work.

But, when I think of Beirut Lebanon, it is certainly unique. It’s not Syria or any other place in the Middle East. The population is well-educated, sophisticated, and urban. Lebanese speak three languages. They speak English, French, and Arabic. Charles and Joelle are a wonderful, typical Lebanese beautiful from the inside.

Plastic Surgery Contradictions

Beruit is known for having some of the best plastic surgeons and facilities in the world. Beruit is the plastic surgery center for men and women so Middle Easterners come here for eye reconstruction, breast implants, nose jobs, and virginity repair.  Its a place where engaged women come for a virginity do-overs before marriage.

This is just one example of the contradictions here.

Beruit is also known for its wild party life enjoyed by the rich and famous and party people from around the world. It’s similar to the wild Las Vegas’ nightlife. 

Old Meets New

Lebanon is a quirky place. A place where goats climb trees to produce Arjun seeds to make expensive Arjun oil. You will find Arjun oil and the goats here and in Morocco. This old world oil is now one of the most expensive products per ounce in the world.

A Country of Collaboration

First of all, the simplest way to describe Lebanon by its produce. Lebanon is a country known for collaboration, banking, great shopping, and food. Lebanon is a place where people enjoy life to the fullest.

Additionally, Western culture influences Beruit. Beruit modeled after Paris is gorgeous. It is a beautiful city. Beirut is suave, the Paris of the Middle East. Sophisticated and a unique combination west and the Middle East and a dash of hospitality.

Furthermore, Beirut Lebanon is culturally sophisticated. Beruit is decadent, cosmopolitan and urban.

The food of Beruit demonstrates the blending of cultures.

We Saw Fantastic sites

Here are my favorite places

Zaitunay Bay (Beirut)

Pigeon Rocks in Raouche (Beirut)

Beirut Souks (Beirut)

Hamra Street (Beirut)

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque (Beirut)

Saint Charbel Tomb (Byblos)

The Crusader Castle (Byblos)

The Cedars of God (Bcharre)

Jeita Grotto (Jitta)

Our Lady of Harissa (Jounieh)

Breathtaking Location

I love this picture taken from Harissa Lady of Lebanon showing the Bay of  Jounieh.

Photo of Tabarja

Fantastic Food – Every Dish is Better in Lebanon

Here is an example of an international Restaurant at La Locanda in Byblos Jbeil. The meal was delicious.

Saint John Marc Church in the old souk of Jbeil Byblos

The Crusader Castle (Byblos)

El  Molino Sur Mer Mexican Restaurant in Jounieh, Near The Beach. I bet you wouldn’t think that  Beruit Lebanon has a fabulous Mexican restaurant.

Shopping

the Jewellery Section at ABC Shopping Mall in Dbaye

Zilli in Hamra Souks one of the fabulous shopping areas in Beruit also known as the Shopping Street.  

Sightseeing

Here is my photo of the Cedars of Lebanon and historic mosques and churches.

Cedars of Lebanon

Historic Churches and Mosques

Saint Georges Orthodox Church in Downtown, Beirut Lebanon

Harissa Lady of Lebanon

Harissa Lady of Lebanon

Our Lady of Harissa (Jounieh)

Mohammed El Amine Mosque in Downtown Beirut

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque (Beirut)

Armenian Church Downtown Beruit, Lebanon

Update

Now, Joelle and Charles have two children John, and Pia Maria. Because of Charle’s work, they are not in Beruit now. Today, I fondly love this couple, their kindness, and deeply appreciate how they showed me another side of Beruit. Therefore, they make my life richer because I have them in my post-divorce life and new world circle of amazing friends.

They, therefore, make my life richer because I have them in my post-divorce life and new world circle of amazing friends.