I’ve Always had a complicated relationship with my country. A few years back I started planning to relocate I just felt that Lebanon is not a land of opportunities and that my career would grow faster somewhere else.
For years I’ve been applying for Ph.D. positions and full-time dietetic and managerial jobs and after desperation, I applied twice to become a cabin crew and after more desperation, I applied to become an Au Pair! None of these worked out and now I know why.
To be honest, I never applied full-heartedly to any of these opportunities, all I wanted was to leave Lebanon. And after 5 years of working full-time at a hospital, I finally freed Lebanon of its direct responsibility for my situation and started to change the path of my life and appreciate this small yet very unique country.
Regardless of our difficult political and economical situation, whenever I meet people from different countries I do my best to show them the happy Lebanon we have, I show them pictures of nature, places, food, and I talk passionately about the beauty and uniqueness of my country.
Lebanese people, including me, take this country for granted, but believe it or not, out of all the pain and after all the wars, we have created a place full of life and dreams. Lebanese people are resilient, cheerful, and known for turning the worst situations into a party. We turned a huge revolution into one a few months back :)
Many reasons make this small country for everyone no matter w
hat their interests are.
1. Food:
Our dishes can be one of the best food in the world. Also, to the famous Lebanese dishes known around the world like Tabbouleh and Hummos, we have delicious homemade dishes and stews and a wide variety of underrated yet yummy street food. Also, there are food options that suit all diets including vegetarians, vegans, ketogenic…
2. Restaurants, pubs, and cafes:
We have international and Lebanese restaurants and coffee shops all over the country. Besides the good food, there is a homey and comfortable ambiance in most of these places. My favorite street in Lebanon is Mar Mikhael. It is very authentic, lively, and full of pubs and restaurants.
3. History:
Lebanon is full of historical ruins and temples that can age up to 5000 years including a very beautiful Roman temple: Baalbek. Also, we have one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the world, Byblos.
4. Language:
Most of us talk 3 main languages Arabic, English, and French. This makes it easier for any tourist to communicate and get along while visiting Lebanon.
5. Weather:
We have 4 seasons. Our winter is not disastrous and sometimes can be warmer than spring in some European countries I’ve visited and our summer is just fine compared to Arab countries I’ve visited.
6. Nature:
We have a beautiful sea, untouched rivers, a lot of green mountains, secret valleys, caves, and much more. No matter in which direction you decide to go to Lebanon, you will always find a beautiful tree or a charming narrow road on your way.
7. Hospitality:
I bet you’ve heard a lot the Lebanese hospitality and I will tell you they are right! We love people, we love to show them around and cook for them. Besides, we are open to other cultures and nationalities so your visit would not end without getting an invitation from a Lebanese citizen.
8. Activities:
There are a lot of activities you can do in Lebanon. Hiking, diving, skiing, swimming, paragliding, camping, cycling… So, an interesting weekend will always be around the corner.
9. Events:
We have art galleries, concerts, storytelling and poetry nights, book clubs, plays, book signings, food events, and more… We, Lebanese people, are being used to the worst conditions but we still make the most out of it in all the creative ways we get along.
10. Nightlife:
I’ve met many people during my travels who visited Lebanon and the first thing they said was: you have the best nightlife in the world! you don’t need to be a party animal to enjoy the Lebanese nightlife. I am not much into loud music and dancing but losing yourself from time to time is a treat.
Great places around the world are great for obvious reasons, but let’s give credit to the hidden charming places that despite their many imperfections they will make you fall in love.
