post 131/365
This post is a general overview of architecture in Lebanon as I’ll be going more in-depth as we go along, but I thought it would be an easy start with this one.
post 130/365
As the stillness and splendor of the sea glints, I casually walk down the open skies facing it. The warm morning sun, wind bearing taste of waves, calming sapphire waters, creases upon the shore, bringing mild currents, crashing onto the rocks, carrying with it the crisp salty Mediterranean sea breeze that hum a tune that is forever Ras Beirut.
post 129/365
It is hard to wait for something you know might never happen, but it’s even harder to sit there and do nothing about it. The fight for justice against corruption is never an easy one. In a country where one feels that their life is similar to a pawn on a chessboard, and action might not lead to much, most Lebanese have resigned to the fate of the majority, which is to live in corruption. Yet as Karl Klaus stated “corruption is worse then prostitution. The latter might endanger the morals of an individual; the former invariably endangers the morals of the entire country.”
post 128/365
“Nshallah”, lebanese for ʾin shāʾa llāh, meaning God willing, or if Allah wills, although claimed to be an essentially Islamic expression, is more accurately understood as a Middle Eastern, and especially Levantine, expression. Its enthusiastic utterers include Lebanese of all religious backgrounds. It’s equivalent to saying hopefully.
post 127/365
Great teachers have two things in common, an exceptional level of devotion to their students, and the drive to inspire each one to learn and succeed.
post 126/365
The drive up from the cost to the captivating weaving lush green mountains leads to the heart of Deir El Qamar. Deir El Qamar’s, translates to Monastery of the Moon, not only preserves its grand feudal architecture, but its old stepped streets, walled gardens and picturesque corners as well.
post 125/365
Al-Shamas Abdullah Zakher founded the first Arabic printing press in Lebanon in 1734. The press is located in Deir Mar Youhana in Khinshara, which dates back to the 12th century. The printing press operated from 1734 till 1899. It was the first Arabic script printing press in Lebanon, but it was the second printing press in general since in 1610 the first Syriac script printing press was established in Deir Mar Antonious in Quzhayya near the valley of the saints in the North of Lebanon (https://365daysoflebanon.com/2016/02/03/the-first-printing-press/).
post 124/365
As winter nights get colder, a white coffee-less latte that smells like a fragrant dessert full of aromas and texture gets prepared in Lebanese homes. It’s a gorgeous drink that is sweet, warm, spicy, creamy, crunchy, chewy and fragrant all at once.
post 123/365
A picture perfect birthday, balloons, kids running around, pop corn, cakes, mummies and nannies, music, and last but not least the birthday cake. As we gather around to sing happy birthday to the birthday boy/girl, we gather all our strength and take a deep breath, as we know there will be a four-minute medley of happy birthday in all languages. Well, I might be exaggerating a little bit, but it is true. If we knew more then 3 languages in Lebanon we would probably be singing in as many as we could.
post 122/365
The scent of nostalgia, the memory of loved ones, the calling of home, all perpetuated in small trinkets, house objects, and china plates. Basta is a true reflection of Beirut’s old beauty. The antiques, their owners, their history, the shops, the buildings on top of them, everything hints the sense of a city rich in stunning artifacts with an appreciation for beautiful living.
365 Days of Lebanon 