If you are ever invited for a cup of tea and some taboole by a Lebanese, don’t hesitate to accept their generous hospitality!After you savor your first taste, don’t be surprised if you are encouraged to stay for dessert, which usually includes lively conversation about their love of Lebanon, its people, and their way of life. Lebanon, with its trademark cedars and rugged mountains, crystal coastal resorts and sidewalk cafes, and unique fusion of languages, nationalities, and religions make traveling and living in Lebanon truly sweet! Although its capital,Beirut, is titled the “Paris of the Middle East” for its high-end fashion boutiques and art galleries, five-star hotels, and European-style discothèques, Lebanon’s natural beauty and rich history is found in the villages and valleys beyond Beirut.
In fact, world-renowned Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran was raised among the cedar trees in mountainous Bsharri, a village in Northern Lebanon. Gibran’s inspiration is that of a provincial Lebanon—the countryside and the simplicity of its people. In an essay written after the First World War titled “You Have Your Lebanon and I Have My Lebanon,” Gibran was critical of external cultural influences and the toll it was taking on traditional Lebanese way of life. He writes, “My Lebanon is a flock of birds fluttering in the early morning as shepherds lead their sheep into the meadow and rising in the evening as farmers return from their fields and vineyards.” Lebanon today gracefully balances the lifestyles of both the young urban aficionados and the peaceful shepherd.
Touring the Country
Lebanon’s varying geography and ancient history invite tourists year-round. Travelers can have an active itinerary of sailing, skiing, sunbathing, museum hopping, and hiking all within one country. The Mediterranean Sea marries the entire western side of the country, making a perfect backdrop for fisherman and jet-skiers alike. Lebanon is approximately 225km long and 46km wide—an area nearly the size of Connecticut. It is an ancient land where its cities were major outposts and seaports in Phoenician and Roman times, two great civilizations that graced the Middle East. Major coastal cities are Sidon, Tyre, and Byblos. The lush BekaaValley area houses two archeological wonders, the ancient cities of Aanjar and Baalbeck. Another notable region is the QadishaValley in northern Lebanon. There are many other cities to tour that have a character and a story to share with visitors that want to listen and learn.
Packing for a trip to Lebanon does require some thought and preparation. Bringing essential warm and cold weather clothing depends on when and where you travel in the country. The climate from the neighboring Mediterranean Sea generates rainy winters and long, warm summers. In the summer those living on the coast cool off from the heat and humidity with frequent visits to the mountain villages. The winters are mild at the coast and snowy in the mountains, the high peaks blanketed with snow giving Lebanon its name: “Lubnan,” the Arabic word for “white.” Lebanon has a number of world-class ski resorts, one of only two countries in the Middle East where you can ski (the other being Iran). The ski season runs from December until April. In the spring time, sometimes you can ski in the mountains and swim on the coast in the same day.
Lebanon’s government is stable and the country is safe for travelers. But, as in any country, you should be open minded and sensitive to cultural and religious customs (Christianity and Islam are the two major religions represented). The Lebanese are fun and friendly people. Communicating with them is very easy as English and French are widely spoken. Arabic is the official language but many are trilingual.
Beirut
Experiencing Beirut beyond its international airport may lead you to stay in this thriving capital city. Choosing among any of the five-star hotels in Beirut is a difficult decision. All offer royal service and ambiance beyond compare. The cascading fountains and elaborate designs and décor cater to the business traveler and Beiruti high-society. The Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel or Sheraton Beirut have spiraling staircases and sparking crystal and gold French chandeliers, making it the dream wedding venue for Lebanese brides. Although the city has been rebuilt since its tragic civil war, some of these hotels ironically stand next to one of a few shelled buildings, offering a reminder of the past.
