The Top Ten Things I love about Lebanon

This blog entry was inspired by a recent visit to Lebanon as well as an article I read on Cedar Wings, the inflight magazine of MEA.

10- Nothing starts off a Lebanese morning like listening to the soothing melodies of the First Lady of Lebanese Singing, Fairus. This tradition has remained constant for 50 years. Listening to “Shayef Elbaher” and “Atini Ennaya” is a prerequisite to one’s first cup of coffee or trip to work. Listen clearly. Her voice echoes from speakers across the country.

9- An exquisite Meza scattered about a tabletop surrounded by friends whose fingers are dipped in a plate of Hummus and the air is filled with laughter. The Lebanese saying goes that those who eat out of the same plates of Meza with pita will remain the closest friends forever.

8- The sizzling sounds of Falafel frying and the buzz of the twirling giant Shawarma skewers, with the aroma to entice one’s every fancy –these traditional sandwiches are the best things to eat as one strolls along the city.

7- A Lebanese dusk at springtime transmits the most beautiful fragrance of Jasmine and Orange Blossom in the air. One is blessed when someone’s home nearby has these aromatic plants growing in pots in the balcony.

6- As Lebanon is in a constant state of change and motion, only one thing will ever stand the test of time: its traffic jams. Yet there is a special moment of sheer beauty and warmth as one watches the face of a frustrated man swearing at those around him; he gently turns to grin at a young Lebanese woman as she raises her hand to him, smile, and ask him tenderly if she may pass in front of him.

5- In a country swarming with artists, there is always a play, book launch, or art show to attend. If you are unfamiliar with places to go, you will undoubtedly stumble upon one on your way home from the market. Just go with the flow.

4-Lebanon overflows with buses, service cars and private taxis. For a mere couple of dollars (and everyone takes the Ol’ Greenback), an old rickety Mercedes will take you anywhere you need.

3- One word to learn when visiting Lebanon is Itfaddal. Whether someone is in carrying a bag of fruits, eating potato chips, or whether one compliments them on a beautiful silver ring sitting snugly on their finger, a Lebanese will always gesture: “Itfaddal! You are welcome to it and what is mine is surely yours.”

2- It’s 3 A.M. and you are craving freshly squeezed orange juice, a Shawarma, and a “double apple” shisha. Unfortunately, these things are not within reach at that time. “Ma Fi Meshkle!” Just pick up your cell phone and order it and it will all come to you, with free delivery! Whatever you desire at anytime, anywhere, the fabulous delivery service is sure to fulfill them.

1- McDonalds offers valet parking. Enough said!!!!!

Anyone wants to share a Hummus plate at 3 A.M. with me?

END QUOTE:
"The best leader is one whose existence is barely known. Next best is one who is loved and praised. Next is one who is feared. Worst of all is a leader who is despised. If you fail to trust people they won’t turn out to be trustworthy."
The Tao Te Ching of Lao Tzu