Lebanese area of the week #2

I know im one day early on this but i will be too busy to post an area in the coming days, so yup...Now I know MOST people focus on Beirut as Lebanon's main attraction, so I know i'm gonna get the crazy messages of people telling me to pick something new... but come on guys, how can i not feature the CRAZIEST area of Lebanon?? I know OK its in Beirut and you guys want something new an "undiscovered". Seriously, Lebanon is probably the size of New York and surrounding area....ITS BEEN DISCOVERED! Ummm so yes, this week i have chosen GEMMAYZE. I chose it because this is one of Beirut's oldest neighborhoods. The houses are older than the dinosaurs...but its not the "oldness", but it's DIVERSITY, that makes it touch my heart... and the smooth vodka i guess you can say. :)

Gemmayze falls in the Ashrafieh district of Lebanon's capital. Ashrafieh is a Orthodox Christian majority area, and is considered to be one of Beirut's most charming and "lively" areas :). Lets get to the point...Gemmayze. Its actually a BOHEMIAN quarter of Beirut- ahh bohemian...so nice. :) Were talking about an old district full of narrow streets and beautiful historic buildings from the French era. It is well known for its trendy bars and pubs, cafes, restaurants and lounges; a perfect chill out place to have a drink "with soul" and watch the night go by. Rue. Gouraud (oui oui en Francaise ) in Gemmayze has the highest concentration of night venues, particularly at the side closest to Downtown Beirut. Similarly to Monot street, this area is old and historic, and was designed well before the invention of cars, so going by car through its narrow streets requires a lot of patience (a lot doesn't cut it loves). It is however amazing, both in day and in night and worth a visit. Gemmayze borders Downtown Beirut's East side, and it too is a very short walk from the city center. Walking would be the best option, (being dropped off by a taxi at the entrance of the street, and walking the rest, is another option).
Be prepared for the unexpected though, you could see a VERY wide range of people in this area...from foreigners to locals...yesss that includes weirdos too PaulLingston( a fellow blogger, who likes to know about weird things- ya Allah). Ignore the fancy stuff, go straight into the old quarters, and check it out. The staired street is pretty bumping as well :)

P.S. if you come across a black and white cat, run... Ive named this cat BOEBOE THE RIPPER, as it chased me down the street with loud meows and a series of attempts to maul my feet.

So heres some Gemmayze pics, and a picture of BOEBOE. EEW