HEYYYY! my log is moved now to http://seifandbeirut.wordpress.com/
please check me out on there!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Seif and the Freak wedding
Lebanon has gone to the extreme in showing off, looking lavish, and being super superficial. The wedding must have been like some game show if you ask me. Not a celebration of union between the two.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The rant: Hezballah again?
I have been most fortunate to see my beloved homeland this year, even though it is for a short period of time. Many of you abroad and in Lebanon have been hearing a lot about the "War of Words" between Hezballah and Israel as it has been escalating to a point where worry is spreading quickly across the nation. It all started when a group of women from Lebanon, Europeans, and some journalists have been preparing a flotilla to Gaza. Israel says it will "take an necessary action" to ensure it's safety. Fair enough. Great, so once again Lebanon inches closer to a war like the one in 2006 because Hezballah likes to pick a fight. We have to sit around watch Hassan Nasrallah talk on behalf of Lebanon, a country with a large percentage of people who do NOT support him, and threaten Israel, its existence, and Tel Aviv. Oh my God, can you give it a rest? Like are you a lunatic? This is coming from a man who claims the Lebanese government isn't doing enough for the "Lebanese people". Do you blame them? I mean, our country is still trying to form a stable economy after its civil war, and frankly you causing wars for no reason DURING THE TIME LEBANON MAKES MOST OF ITS REVENUE IS NOT HELPING! Come on, yesterday 30% of reservations to Lebanon have been cancelled. The year where Lebanon is officially back up on its feet, being called the "best" place to be for the summer of 2010, making billions of dollars, and you go around acting like Rambo? We get it, you have weapons, but hopefully not for very long. Being a Lebanese who lives outside of Lebanon, because I'm scared theres going to be a war every year, scared to ruin my future, and my family's future I am forced to live bil GHHORBEH while you sit around and act like your Lebanon's "godsend". I'm sick of it, the Lebanese outside of Lebanon are sick of it, Lebanon's people are sick of it. Wake up and do whats good for Lebanon....DISAPPEAR OFF THE FACE OF THE PLANET! I'm sick of hearing "Lebanese Resistance" too. Resistance to what? Life? If I recall correctly Israel left our Lands in the year 2000, you have nothing to resist. Your a power hungry, desperate, attention loving idiot. And the people who sit behind you are just as messed up. Go and fight Israel from Syria, from Iran, or from the middle of the ocean. Anywhere but here.
Im done. :)
Im done. :)
Friday, July 16, 2010
Cannot sleep!
We cruise Beirut, and guess what? I cried, hehehehe. I've been uploading pics for my friends like crazy over Facebook...god...thank you for my Blackberry. Crepaway is as tasty as ever, and partying like this has never felt better. P.s. I haven't gotten sick yet (knock on wood). So today after drinking up at Barbu, I am unable to sleep. My argeeli awaits me on this balcony, and I will probably smoke it, and fall asleep for an hour before I have to be up again. I go to Syria tomorrow. 5 hour limit as Charbel has directed me, so I will be back to spend another crazy night here in Beirut. Sun 7 is a new place I have to check out, it is "roof-top" just like Skybar, and yess just as exclusive.
Anyways, I will fill you guys in on the creepy hot dog guy, and the rest of my adventures in Beirut later on.
P.s. I have a date tomorrow with a nice French girl spending her summer here tomorrow night, she will accompany us to Sun 7. Elodie is her name. I met her at Barbu, very sweet. And oh so French. Ana ba3reef e7keh Faranceh??? Je ne sais pas....thats for sure. I figured out my French is terrible when Lina and I jumped onto the bar and danced like idiots... my friends, I was cheered on like I was a male stripper. HOW ENTICING! Her reaction to that was: qu'est-ce qui se passe (whats happening?) ?!?!? followed by a loud laugh. My reply was tu veux quoi?dis-moi ce que tu veux! meaning (you want what? Tell me what you want). Layko manna jursa! I will definitely work on my French for our date at Sun 7.
Anyways BeirutOnline, and myself are meeting at Paul's Bistro after tomorrow at 12:00 noon for some lunch. Everyone is welcome to come. I look forward to meeting all of you!
Gosh it's great to be home. Here is a view from the apartment and ill post a link to the song that was playing in the airport as I kissed the floor (it started the water works hearing this song and kissing the purest and most loving of floors). Enjoy!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Bye bye
P.s. any of my readers in Beirut that messaged me about getting together, I will definitely post on here what day BeirutOnline and myself are getting together and where, you all can come and join! Yallah khaleena net3araf!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Lebanon, the Middle East, Christianity, and the future
Fadlallah of Lebanon: Who and why!
He was a prominent Twelver Shiite Marja (or person of influence), who was born and raised in Najaf, Iraq. He is of Lebanese origin, and grew to become the self-proclaimed leader of the Shiites. However, he was not just a religious man, he also was the spiritual leader of Hezballah. Yes, the organization that ranks high up there with Al-Qaeda as a terrorist organization. Personally, I feel Hezballah, with the help of Iran, is far more a threat than Al-Qaeda. Anyways, after 21 years of studying with the prominent Shiite scholars of Iraq, he returned to Lebanon, and rose to power with the heavy influence he had on Hezballah. Many argue that Hezballah and Fadlallah were two separate entities, having nothing to do with eachother, I beg to differ. I think they were one. In proof of this I will provide a quote from their TV channel Al Manar. They said he had at least "inspired the leaders" of the group. It added that "From the pulpit of the Imam Rida mosque in the Bir al-Abd neighborhood, Sayyed Fadlullah’s sermons gave shape to the political currents among mainly the Muslim Shiite sect [of Lebanon], from the latter half of the 1980s till the last days of his life." WOW, doesnt that seem to be exactly what Hezballah does? Considering they mentioned "the later half of the 1980's, and Hezballah was created officially in 1985, this provides me with enough knowledge that he was behind the Hezballah organization from it's early days, until his death last week.
What did he stand for? He stood and supported the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Hezballah, and when he was interviewed once, he mentioned his dream was to have an Islamic Shiite Republic of Lebanon where "there will be room for other faiths". Yeah okay. We seen the room "other faiths" have in Iran, and guess what? We aren't impressed. Considering Lebanon has 18 different religious faiths stretching from Christians, Muslims, Jews and anything in between where did he plan on putting us? Before I get back to him, I would like to say, that as a Muslim (not Shiite), I really am scared by his notion of an Islamic Lebanon. Anyways, Fadlallah later earned himself a place on the list of terrorists and was strongly opposed by the USA. He had his fair amount of opposing the USA back, including boycotting American products, American foreign policy, and what he called "American Intervention in Lebanon". He seemed to have forgotten Iranian intervention in Lebanon...not surprised. In November 2007 Fadlallah accused the United States of trying to sabotage the elections going on in Lebanon. He stated "The insanity of the US president and its administration is reflected in Lebanon by their ambassador pressuring the Lebanese people and preventing them from reaching an agreement over the presidential election."I believe Hezballah was preventing Lebanon from agreeing on a president if I remember correctly, I also remember them in May running around in Beirut with weapons and explosives, bringing Lebanon closer than ever to civil war since 1990. Must have slipped his mind as well.
Fadlallah also had many views about women's rights, abortion and stated that Iran's "Waliyat el Fakih" had no role in "Modern Lebanon". This I do give him props for. However, as a young Lebanese, I wonder, what form will Hezballah take now, will his death change anything in their extremist Shiite Islamic views? In their power hungry state of mind, I think his death will change very little. He may be gone now, but his ideas, books, interviews, website, and so on are still here. Not to mention the thousands of people he had schooled himself. What is it that will change? Well, I think Hezballah will become much "wilder" if you will, as Fadlallah was a spiritual leader, and theological writer more than he was political. He was much more "peaceful" than Hassan Nasrallah ever will be, and he did have much acceptance to other faiths (even if it was just for media purposes). Personally, I think Lebanon is closer now to destruction after his death than before it. With Hezballah becoming stronger and stronger by the minute, and threatening Lebanese democracy and peace in the region, one can sit around and hope for the best. What do you guys think?
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Seif sees Eclipse
I lost any interest in movies at theaters ever since the movie "Leather Heads" in 2008. But after being dragged to watch Eclipse, one of the top rated films of the year, I once again remembered why theaters can be a very fun place, and why Eclipse is such a good movie. The movie is romantic , sexy, exciting, suspenseful, and everything inbetween. It’s like romantic drama meets Lord of the Rings! And those two have some damn chemistry between them, mostly the way Bella and Edward and Jacob (soo annoying) make a pretty good mix on action and drama. Although Bella is not the best of actresses, she really is improving and makes you feel the heat and leaves you thinking about how there are no girls like her around (hehehe). I must warn you, Leah in the film, is so damn annoying, I really did say "oh my god your so annoying" out loud 4 times... I even got someone who replied "tell me about it, b***h". Jacob is as needy, and desperate as ever, I could just hit him. Back off already dog. Someone needs to go back to doggy training school if you ask me. Bella does scream "stay" at him a couple of times on the mountain, not usually funny, but the two guys beside me (bless their souls, hilarious) did say out loud "stay and you get a treat".
The Volturi are definitely my favorites. If i could become a vampire, I would definitely choose to be a part of them... and DAMN they got some nice style. But then again being Italian vampires, they probably stopped in Milan before they made it to Forks. So in salut to the Volturi fashion, I will post 2 pics of them...the one of them in the green background is from Eclipse...those jackets are the BOMB (not clear here, but in the movie, you will see how nice they are).
Public quarrels?
Lovers quarrel. Oh how I know. But I find it a little bit annoying when it becomes public. Today being out with a couple of friends, we had to yet again step into the quarrels of two of our friends. It was a peaceful get together, on the balcony having some drinks and chatting about normal things. Two women stroll by in their shorts, one of the guys checks them out, his girlfriend sees, and yes, hell opened a crater on that balcony today, and broke loose. It didn't just break loose, it erupted, spilling over the balcony and onto the streets below. People ran for their lives. Us however, have become accustomed to this couple's outburst, intervened and tried to make peace between the two.
I don't get it, if you are so desperate to stay together, and are so in love, do you need to throw things? Slam doors? Cry? Scream? and cause more drama than the people on The Hills? If you want to put on a show, please, find a reality TV show, and sign up!
Yet another get-together ruined by the ridiculous display of love and drama. I ask, if you are so unhappy why stay? Is it a drama addiction? or do you get turned on by nearly ravaging each other to death? I don't get it.
2 days missing?
Two days of no blogging.... mind you it was a very hectic 2 days. I have been preparing for the trip... very excited for that. I also have been doing some family stuff. Yaay! Anjad, kil ma badna nsafir, byitla3oulna bi million family 2oussa! Friday i did a simple blog about the Lebanese beauties...so I didn't really mention Thursday! Thursday my friends and I, got together at a beautiful park here in the city. We made some argeelis, chopped up some watermelon, and had our diet mango pops (very good), and just sat around and had a good time. So as the group died down, 4 of us remained in the park, so we ordered a pizza to the park! Time goes by and we realize we are the only ones there... we are locked in as they close this parks entrances at 11PM... it was the 12am. So we circle the park and through the park, and honk our horns, and call the city to have someone come and free us...and we are freed. I was going to post some pics of that day, but my Sony camera betrayed me, and deleted itself. I got some pics, but those are not for posting hehehe. Friday night, i did some MAJOR shopping for my trip...gifts, clothes, necessities, and Gravol (<3). Saturday night was a good day spent at the movies with my sister watching...ECLIPSE! good movie you guys, ill have a post dedicated to that one later on hehe, and today IM BACCCCK! Beso!
Friday, July 9, 2010
South Lebanon Beauties X2 ?
Ok so EVERYONE knows about Rima Fakih, the Lebanese girl who won the Miss USA pageant, and how she is from Hezbollah run and controlled South Lebanon. Well she just met her match. Last night Miss Lebanon pageant crowned a neww Miss Lebanon, and yup...you guessed it, she is from South Lebanon too! (Way to jump on the bandwagon Lebanon!). Rahaf Abdulla who is from Khiyam is not very far from Srifa, Rima Fakih's hometown! Wow, baneit el manta2a competing for Miss Universe? "Ya 3aybeshoumm", their fellow Jnoubi's are thinking! hehehe But in all seriousness, I think these girls are pretty, but I've seen better representatives of Lebanon walking up and down the hallways of AUB. I mean, you could stroll down Gemmayze and find someone who is better looking than both! Don't get me wrong, anyone to say they are ugly would be blind, but to call them the best 2 representations of Lebanese beauty?? Not so much. Anyways, here's their pics, let me know what you guys think?!
p.s. Nadine Njeim is still my number one Miss Lebanon to ever win!
p.p.s I decided im going to put up Rima Fakih's pic, Rahaf Abdulla's pic, Nadine Njeim's pic, and 2 pics of Miss Lebanon and Miss Universe winner Georgina Rizk.... Tell me what you guys think then!
Rahaf Abdulla (Miss Lebanon 2010)
Rima Fakih (Miss USA 2010)
Miss Lebanon 2004 Nadine Njeim (<333333)
And last, but DEFINATELY, not least... Miss Lebanon/Universe 1971 Georgina Rizk
Thursday, July 8, 2010
The rant: Think versus feel?
Men think, and women feel. Thats just how it is.
Why do I make such assumptions? HUH? I just established this is how it is. FACT! Women have what I call "feeling overload syndrome". Example number 1: "I feel fat", "I feel happy", "I feel this is going well", "I feel this food could be better", "I feel my lipstick is wrong", "I feel alone", "I feel like the world is coming to an end", "I feel like my cat is feeling sad", "I have a feeling the bacteria on the table are worried about something", "I feel like you have no feelings". OMG! SAVE SOME FEELINGS FOR EVERYONE ELSE! I mean it's perfectly fine to have feelings, the problem is you say what you feel. Us men, we are thinkers. We don't let whats on our mind leave us, it's not because we have no feelings, it's just maybe we don't want to broadcast it to every living organism in the world.... like imagine a man, tall, muscles, suit, and briefcase walking up to a squirrel and saying "I feel radiant that you have an acorn for winter! I feel you feel prepared!". NOOOOOO! It doesn't work. We will walk by him,look at him and think to ourselves, "Dude I think that acorn is gonna feed his babe girlllllll", we don't beat down the news reporter on the street, grab her microphone, look into the camera and start firing feelings left, right and center! It's not us. I came to this conclusion today after an argument with who I now call "Headache Lester", aka the gf. She said to me "ya allah! ma 3endak e7seis", meaning "oh my god, you don't have any feelings!". Actually I do have feelings, but it's a good thing I was THINKING about them, instead of blasting them your way. You would have really known I have feelings. I love feelings. Feelings are good, but are to be kept quiet, or confided in with a person who expresses their feelings in a similar way. This could also be a good thing though, now that I think about it. If women thought instead of felt, and men felt instead of thought....the world would be a disaster. Come on, Imagine George Bush running around telling people about his feelings, or Clinton. Oh God. "Hillary, I feel good I slept with Lewinski"... or Bush "I feel dumb". Us, men I mean, would put our lives in mortal danger. So maybe God wanted it this way, which makes sense. Eve had to FEEL so loudly, and so constantly. "I feeeeel that apple would taste good, right hunni? I feeeeeeeeeeeeel it looks good. I would feeeeeeel much better if I ate it. I feel you should go pick it". By then, Adam couldn't handle it anymore and thought to himself "gee, I'll pick the damn apple and give these feelings of hers a rest". Good job Eve. You and your "feelings" got us booted out of Eden. :)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
UH-OH
My friends don't listen to me. At all. Which surprises me because I can often read what people think, know exactly how they are feeling from their face, and give some good advice. I have a good set of friends, but ok, remember the chika back in Lebanon my friends wanted me to hook up with? You know...the one I talked about in an earlier blog. Well, I declined their offer. Not that it mattered because I came online today, and sat myself on MSN, when I noticed someone had added me. I accepted the add, and what do you know? Its the girl they wanted me to hook up with. The idiots have given her my e-mail. We got to talking, bringing up topics from food to blogs (as she has her own), and all that fun stuff. Mind you, there was no pictures being shown or sent to one another throughout our 1 hour conversation. Curiosity got to me, and I asked for a pic. So we swapped some, and I must say she is a very beautiful girl indeed. My friends described her as a female version of myself (in personality and hobbies), and that she was. Curiosity killed the cat, remember that. After describing our unbelievable bad luck in relationships (we concluded Aries suck at them), I brought up some people from my past. She knew two of them. And thats where the cat died. Not died, lets say the cat was missing.
So I take it, the newest thing in Lebanon is, women gain more interest in men their acquaintances have previously dated. Not only do they like to have someone that was once belonged to someone they know, they let the news spread... quickly. So as of today, kermeil Allah, don't hook me up with anyone. Relationships? Na2isneh waja3 rass ana?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Blague du jour :)
Oh Twilight, oh Eclipse. I GET IT. They are out. Look, coming from a male perspective I liked the books. Reading them as a challenge from my sister, and for an English 255 book report, I have to say I have a love/hate relationship with them. I like the little mystery, the romance, and the crazyness...all parts of a good film I guess. But come on! Woman loves vampire unconditionally? How the heck am I going to look at relationships the same? You woman give Edward all this praise, HAVE YOU GUYS THOUGHT ABOUT THE RISK BELLA IS IN? I mean....she's the mortal. Big deal Edward acts like a gentleman, she's the real hero....mon obsession du jour if you will.
Anyways, films = okay...nothing great. Books = good story. MEH. So in all this Twilight craze, I came across a video that killed me. I literally died from laughter at this little British bloke, and his reading of Twilight. It was a good way to start the day. Check it out. :) Time for an argeeli! Tfadalo!
P.s. : ALL his videos are pretty funny. Check those out too :P
Anyways, films = okay...nothing great. Books = good story. MEH. So in all this Twilight craze, I came across a video that killed me. I literally died from laughter at this little British bloke, and his reading of Twilight. It was a good way to start the day. Check it out. :) Time for an argeeli! Tfadalo!
P.s. : ALL his videos are pretty funny. Check those out too :P
The ever failing love life of a nice guy.
Nice guys finish last? You know how much I hate that phrase? Like what if we would like to finish first sometimes. Do we have to be 40 before we find the right woman for us? I tried to find an answer to this. Maybe we are too picky? Nice guys can be picky right? WRONG. If they were picky they would have been called picky guys... not nice guys. I came to the realization that, heck you know what? It's not us nice guys. Women just like assholes. You sit there and smile, they would like to know what is it thats sooooooo funny. DO YOU SEE ME LAUGHING? It's called a smile. Or better yet, when they get angry and you tell them how cute they are when they get all worked up.... it gets them irritated that you cant get mad. I mean SHU BADKON? So maybe we are too nice. Maybe too perfect?! All i know is that pushing my buttons, and testing my patience isn't going to help in the advancing of this relationship. I think I was a nice guy in all of my relationships, looking back, the one where the girl was the most interested was the ONE TIME I WAS BEING A JERK.
Maybe I will take some of my friends's advice. I hear a perfect match for me awaits in Lebanon.... on second thought, I'll pass. I think too much failures put me on a dating strike. Welcome back life of the single... *rolls eyes*.
Whatever it is, finishing last sucks. Big time. Tanti baci to the bellas out there who like nice guys.
Lebanese Diaspora!
Wow. Lebanese EVERYWHERE you go. It's crazy actually, because there isn't a continent on this planet that doesn't have a huge Lebanese population. I came across a cool distribution of the Lebanese diaspora. However, something is off... my Social Studies textbook, 6 years back told me that Brazil ALONE has 12 million Lebanese. But on a striking, and pretty cool, note there is something to take into consideration. The diaspora moves to certain parts of the world depending on where they come from in Lebanon. For example, West Africa and parts of Central Africa has a majority of it's Lebanese diaspora from South Lebanon. Western Canada and Michigan in the USA has a heavy population from the Bekaa. Michigan has its Bekaai's from Baalbek, Hermel, and Shmistar. Western Canada has a huge diaspora from the Western Bekaa, Central Bekaa, and Northern Lebanon. Beiruti's and the Lebanese from Mount Lebanon also take up much of Europe, USA, and Eastern Canada. Brazil and Argentina are MIXED, since theres almost 9 million in these two countries alone. Where are youuuuu guys from?
Monday, July 5, 2010
Freedom of Speach In Lebanon!
"Three men have been arrested for making fun of President Michel Suliman on Facebook" reads the headlines. Three men WHAT? Are you kidding me? Since when has Lebanon become North Korea? I mean guys...Lebanon is the ONLY country in the Middle East (an one of the few in all of Asia) where people have this right. I find it disturbing that people are getting arrested for this! What in God's name? Anyways, my favorite blog, Blogging Beirut, posted a link to an online petition demanding our freedom of speech. And freedom of speech we will have. Like my fellow bloggers have mentioned... I think you should worry about the corruption, poverty, electricity, the people above the law, pollution, our continuous problems with Israel and Syria, weapons everywhere, cancer caused by power plants in North Lebanon, the unhealthy food that is produces, the drying up of our lakes and rivers, our decline in healthy fish in our rivers, landfills left for the sun (hello they produce methane!), deforestation, theft, failures in infrastructures, deterioration of our ancient landmarks, and the oil we have now discovered off of Lebanon's shores (thanks bloggingbeirut for that). Do you see Obama arresting people left, right, and center for mocking him? Nope. And trusttttttt me, a lot more people do that.
2 things people say about Lebanese people??
The two things I always get about Lebanese people? "Your country's accent is so annoying" and "you guy's flirt like crazy! Do you always have to say habibi?"
Number one. Our country does not have an accent. Simply because the people in countries have accents. Do you see a rock saying "Shu haydaa?". NO. Why? Because countries don't speak. Their people do. Now lets re-phrase your question. Shall we? I believe what you mean to say was "why do Lebanese people have an annoying accent?". Number one, dont let the jealousy kill you. What is sooooooo annoying with the way we speak? Ok, so it has a little dala3, it is a bit feminine in parts, and we have a lot of emotion in our words. Big deal! If you haven't noticed, it also has class, and a weird and beautiful flair to it. It's like music to the ears. It's... great. I mean come on lets compare words you bunch of rudes! What would you prefer:
Kashouga? or Mala3'2a?
Sareer? or Takhet?
Shako Mako (wtf?!)? or Shu fi ma fi?
Khosh Gowwa? Foot la joowa?
Beenayah? or Beenayeh?
Shlonak? Keefak?
Moo? Mish heik?
Like COME ON PEOPLE? your talking about Lebanese dialect and yours are not much better. I love the Arabic language. I love all the dialects, but people... We top it all! So stop asking me why our accent is so annoying. What's annoying is the jealousy problem you guys are facing. Maghribeh anyone? Wait...I gotta grab my translator. Sooreh? When I have time I will listen to you and the immensely long endings you put on words. Shlonnn?
Number two. Whatever happened to emotion. Expression? Tkaffnineh, to2obreeneh, hayateh, albeh, rou7eh, habibi, sanadeh? We love to love. Besides, we don't complain about the "tishkol 2aseh, titlla3 3ala 2abreh, and tid3as 3ala rou7eh" popping out from Syrians. At least we do not include DEATH in our emotions about love ALL the time. Besides, Saudi's say "ba3ed galbi"... you dont hear us running around asking you why you want her after your heart do you!?! And Egyptians say "ya dalaya".... ya what? What the flip is a dalaya? What im saying is, we like to dalee3, and we like dala3... its a weakness. Walk down the street and see. The only person who's going to comment you will be a Libneneh. hehehe (ya right!).
The thing is, I find us Lebanese to be...misunderstood. A litttttle bit hated on. Some jealousy. And seen as easy targets. Go call a Bekaai man a na3nou3, you'll be in for a surprise.
P.s. Guys im being a bit "out there" myself. No insults intended. All in fun, and part of my venting. Done now. :)
So check out these cool links. From Wikipedia of course but still interesting:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Arabic (Libneneh)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levantine_Arabic (Libneneh, Syrian, Jordanian, and Palestinian accents are Levantine)
Cafe Beirut
So hellooo there! Friday night I blogged about a crazy Lebanese restaurant I came across. Well it is only 25 days old... so I will not badger myself about how my "restaurant hunting" skills have gone down-hill. Today we got together a good group of us (4 of us) and had a nice argeeli. We got a little bit hungry, and being all smoked out, we decided to check out this "Cafe Beirut".
Everyone around me knows, I am the PICKIEST of all eaters. If I like a place, and it's food....then it MUST be good. We went in there, expecting it to be like every "average" Lebanese place here. I know guys reading this, some of these places are a little less than average **cough-the Palace- cough cough**. But I think we can ALL agree that Cafe Beirut was one of the BEST we had to date in this city. I mean the place is small, it reminds me of the small shawarma places on the streets of Beirut, but WOW WHAT A SANDWICH.
Never in my life have I seen a shawarma sandwich served up so lavishly. My friends I am talking about seasoned bread...the herbs on the top made it look amazing. Served with a side of lettuce and yes guys, brace yourself...a piece of pineapple and strawberries....the dish was to DIE for. Can i add that the lettuce was GREEN...meaning it was fresh and was crispy to the bite. Some places should upgrade their lettuce before they hit the meat (thats to you Mr.Hajj). The owner was pretty cool too. He's got some musical skills, and makes you really feel at home. I called him the shawarma artist. Taking tips from Amsterdam and Parisian chefs, his food looked JUST as good as it tasted. Come-on guys...someone who can make a simple shawarma sandwich look like that is definitely an artist. After we finished our meal (in silence at how good it was), he brought us out a cool mango, cut and raised up in a simple but ever so classy way. Ill have the pics up. Check this place out fellow food lovers, divertiti! Arivaderci!
P.s. Marinates with wine and reallll Lebanese spices. What a God-send to this city.
P.s. Marinates with wine and reallll Lebanese spices. What a God-send to this city.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Annoying NISWEIN!
Niswein (the Lebanese word for WOMEN). Lebanese women are spectacular. A mixture of so many types of beauty. Lebanese women are so diverse in their beauty its crazy. I can pin-point the area a Lebanese woman comes from just by how she looks. Crazy eh? It's called skill. They are also so diverse in their educations, occupations, and personalities.
However, as diverse as they are in looks and educations, they ALL have one thing in common. They have crazy 3adeit (habits), that can drive ANY man, no matter how patient they are, off the Rawche into the rocky depths bellow. So here are my tips to the men, who like me, have to face the Lebanese woman's wrath! :D Here are my tips, USE THEM and KEEP them in mind. Love you baby (Bawseh):
1.) Do NOT comment on the thousands of trips they make to the bathroom while you guys are out. Lebanese women like to look good, and they will make sure they look good...even if it means spending more time in the TOILET ROOM, instead of with you. However, looking good is not the only reason they go to the washroom soooo much. They are in the washroom texting and calling the sabaya or their "girls" about whats going on between you and her. Yes, she is reporting to them more than May Chidiac is on LBC. Commenting on it would result in the "ya allah, baddeh etnafas!" Translation? Oh my God! I need to breath! Followed by the crossing of the arms and violent shaking of their legs.
2.) DO NOT TALK TO GIRLS ON YOUR WALL ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER OR ANY OTHER SOCIAL NETWORK. Lebanese women will stalk your Facebook from the first date right through the long months after you break up! They will monitor you, and ask you questions like "meen hal kalbeh? Leih 3am te7keh ma3ak?" (Translation: Who is this B***h?, why is she talking to you?). Ok... remember when she tells you how she wants to "breathe" in the washroom? By that she means, she can breath, you hold your breath. Your female friends, and what they say, automatically is scanned and saved in the hard-drive located in their brains. P.S. They WILL use it against you.
3.) They will be fake to whomever they please. You pretend like you don't know anything about it...even better pretend you didn't see anything. Example? Why I don't mind if I do. Your at a cafe enjoying a cup of coffee, argeeli, cake or whatever SHE fancies. In walks her NEMESIS. Not someone she dislikes a bit, not someone who she can sit with longer than 5 minutes. Im talking about the girl who copies her every style, who tries to act like her, and the one she probably smacked around once. Her nemesis is the girl that is talked about CRAZILY with all her friends. You would think they would ignore each other, maybe say a simple dry hello? NOPE. They are gonna stand there, kiss each other's cheeks, COMMENT each other and ask when they are getting together for coffee. DID YOU MISS SOMETHING? No you did not, its how it goes. P.s. for the next 48 hours, she will be texting her friends about her, and you WILL listen.
4.) You will hear lots of gossip. EMBRACE... or else. Also, do not refer to it as gossip. Shu bek? (Whats wrong with you). Its conversation.
5.) Your ex was NOT pretty, no matter what you say. You do not mention the past. It will bring up questions about the present, and the "future". Ya dileh!
6.) When they "vent", don't be shocked. For a Libnaniyeh, it should be called "exploding".
7.) They can get jealous and possesive. When you ask a question, you automatically are acting like "their father". You wanna be her baba or habiba?
8.)Do not cheat. Do not make it look like your cheating. Heck, dont even give her the chance to think that word. I can hear their radars going up now. Cheat? Wayn? Ya allah, mista7leh 7alo cheating? You and the woman you cheated with will have a fun time after she finds out. Bomb shelters anybody?
9.) Myriam Fares's body, Haifa Wehbe's eyes, Dana's talking voice, and Nancy Ajram's smile are NOT NICE. Her's are akiddddddddddddd a7la (better for sure). Shu lakan hayati, ma fi mitlek inteh!
10.) If your bestfriend is a guy... make sure you don't take his advice. Howeh shu b'3arfo? (What does he know?). Also you and him will not act like baboons in public together. No matter how fun it is. If your bestfriend is a woman? ALLAH Y3EENAK (GOD HELP YOU!). If your Libnaniyeh thinks your female bestfriend is being a cow... don't sit there and do nothing. Ma3'2ouleh? Do something about it before your girl asks you"bishbi2lak yeha kaff?"( Meaning she will throw her a nice slap). Remember, you talking to your bestfriend about any "mistakes" he/she has done is MUCH better than your Libnaniyeh getting a hold of them. TRUST ME.
Those are my 10 valuable tips. After a certain someone reads this blog, I am sure there will be a number 11. So here it is. "Do not write about your Libnaniyeh and her "life" on your blog. Shu shayifa maskhara (am i a joke)?
Answer to that question? No baby, 3am n'dardeesh shweih :)
Lebanese area of the week #3
BYBLOS! Now known as Jbeil, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world! Damascus? Jericho? NOPE:) It's Byblos. The first city to be built, as it is now considered, has been around for 7000 years! Lets see what history it has to offer. Akid there is the Phoenician parts of history...but it also has:
- Byblos Castle
Built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, the castle wall now encompasses the excavation project that was started in the 1920s. (this will be the future venue of my proposal to my wife... loool. how cool to dream!) - Ancient Phoenician Temples
The remains of two temples still exist: the Temples of Baalat Gebal (2700 BC), and the Temple of Obelisks (1600 BC). The Temple of Baalat Gebal was built in worship of the goddess Astarte, also known as Baalat Gebal (Lady of Byblos), around 2700BC. She was also the patroness of shipmasters and her temple overlooked the Mediterranean. The Temple of Obelisks was also built in honour of Asarte and hieroglyphs can be seen on an obelisk. (Lebanon's HISTORY. Ancient Phoenicia!) - The Fossil Museum: Memory of Time
The museum is located in a small alley behind the main souk on Place de la Citadelle. Opened in 1991, it has an impressive collection, most of which was collected from surrounding villages. A must see for anyone interested in evolution.
Apart from the funky history, Byblos is known for its BYBLOS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL. Mmmm, my favorite. Anyways, i'm gonna link you guys to a cool place you guys can find some more IN-DEPTH info and some pics.
Absolutely Hilarious: Lina and her story of a Lebanese stalker
Last night I was kept up through a series of BBM (Blackberry Messenger) messages from my friend Lina back home in Lebanon. Lina is one of the infamous wackos in our group of 5. So I was up reading a little of this, and writing a little of that when I get a PING! on my Blackberry. So I pick it up and text back. This is how the conversation went (word for word):
Lina: PING!
Ali: Wliii, don't you know people are asleep at this time in Canada? lol
Ali: Whats up?
*Time passes by, and i get no reply whatsoever... its been 23 minutes now. Finally she answers*
Lina: You will not believe shu sar fiyyi hala2. (Translation: you will not believe what happened to me right now)
Ali: Kheir? (Translation: something good i hope - loool translations are messed btw)
Lina: I was walking on Bliss like 15 minutes ago and some jerk-off approached me. Obviously ignoring my efffing wedding ring.
Ali: well your in Lebanon buddy, i think you would have gotten used to it by now?
Lina: omg! ma t'janineh hala2 (Translation: dont drive me crazy), it started off as a "fi majjel net3araf" (Translation: can we get to know each other?) i said "no, akid la2, la2enno MITZAWJEH" (Translation: definitely NO, since im MARRIED).
Ali: ya ok? so you told him no... Lina you have to stop over
Lina: I'M NOT OVER EXAGGERATING. CAN I FINISH MY STORY?
Ali: tfadaleh
Lina: So the freak gets up and starts to follow me... by now ali im soo close to my parent's building, and I'm a little bit freaked. I cut the damn corner, the idiot was there.... it was like that damn Nelli Makdesi video clip Ouf Ouf. It was messed.
Ali: wth? What did you do?
Lina: the best thing to do...the only thing I'm a PROFESSIONAL at. I threw a fit. But sneakily. I stood there in the crowded corner of the street. He walked up to me thinking it was perfect , like I had stood there waiting to talk to him.
Ali: DID YOU?
Lina: He came closer, and slapped on a perverted rapist smile. I smiled back. He was now so close, I screamed so damn loud, and threw my bag onto the floor. I got a nice crowd of people around me, all wanting to know what he had done to me. So i told them how the idiot has been following me for the past 15 damn minutes. He was in a state of shock. I leaned over and smacked him flat on the face in the middle of the crowd. I proceeded to ask for someone to call the shorta (Translation: police), not like i wanted to call them...but to scare him a bit more. The chicken shit ran for his life.
Ali: :| Your one crazy girl... Linzzzzzz ignore it. Your in Lebanon, your going to get that 7ata in funerals these days. hahahahahahahahahahahahaahaha psycho. Did you tell Charbel?
Lina: Later tonight ill tell him, speaking of him he's here. Talk to you later hun. MWAH
*Three hours later i get a message from Charbel- My other bestfriend and her husband*
Ali: Heyyy
Charbel: I'm BBMing you to let you know im going to kill a stalker.
Ali: oh god. Have fun.
Charbel: i will.
Typical life in Lebanon now. Anjad guys? You think your going to pick up the hot girls by stalking them, and as Lina said "smile like a rapist?". No. haha But as much as it was dramatized (and Lina is veryyyyyyy DRAMATIC) i like what she did. More girls should do that. P.S. Here's the Nelli Makdesi video Lina was talking about, probably dressed the same way too lol. Enjoy :P
How is Lebanon now, 5 years after Syrian withdrawal?
Here it gets political. Come on? Politics is in the Lebanese blood. It goes hand in hand with humus. Enjoy:
Today, I am curious as to whether or not Syria has actually "left us alone". I mean, look at the strongest militia in the nation... Hezbollah. Hezbollah, who is aided both financially and militarily by Syria and Iran, has become an aspect of Lebanon's governing body. Meaning they have some say in what goes on and what does not. This group, along with many others (SSNP being one of the largest) receive direct orders and directions from Syria. Meaning? Well, it means Syria is still present in our governing body, in our society, and in the decisions we want to make as an INDEPENDENT Lebanese people. Why after 14 years in Lebanon, benefiting and thieving off the Lebanese people's backs, did Syria so willingly decide to pull-out? Well its simple. They pulled out physically, meaning no Syrian soldiers occupy our land, however they left behind something just as powerful. South Lebanon. The Hezbollah hot house. Through Hezbollah, the SSNP, The Free Patriotic Movement, and Amal, Syria has maintained it's grip in our country, paralyzing it from ever moving forward. I'm not saying these political parties are necessarily "bad", I'm just saying... they are Syrian puppets. See the difference? This brings me to the question at hand. How is Lebanon after the Syrian withdrawal? Well, its just the same. Nothing has really changed at all. Our tourism has increased, our cities rebuilt, etc. But are we actually free? Personally i would say, NO. With the "mo3arada", or the "opposition", as it is called in English, blocking every step to move forward, and defying the Lebanese government... we have not changed. Syria has just slithered from the public eye, sits behind a wall and secretly pulls the strings of the puppets it has created in Lebanon to achieve what it wants when it wants it. So what? Well it is a big deal, I mean the Syrian Regime won't leave us alone, it has ultimately created the LARGEST problem in Lebanon...one only it can control. Thats right...the "resistance". Resistance to what may I ask? Israel left Lebanon in 2000, your "role" is done oh professional actor Hassan Nasrallah. Give us a break. Why do we have to fight Syria's battles? Well its an easy question, so here's a simple answer. We fight Syria's battles because the snakes in the Syrian regime are not man enough to do it themselves. So they did what they do best. Let the Lebanese do it for them. On the bright side however, at least we don't have to hear "shlonak" and "mooo" in Lebanon anymore. Thats right Syria it's "keefak" and "mish".
By TheOtherLebanon -God Bless Lebanon, and one day free it from ALL Syrian influences.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Beirut while we're cruising!
So it's a Friday night. The usual routine for Fridays is wake up, eat, and text Omzi(full name not revealed :P) to bicker and argue like a married couple about what we are going to do later on in the evening. Personally, I don't know why we argue, because we do the same thing EVERY FRIDAY! She picks me up, we go and smoke our Lemon-Mint shishas, while we gossip, laugh, fill each other in on the newest things, and get together with the randoms who message us to "chill".
Omzi is one of a kind, she's a different type of person. She's like me. You like her or you dont...and guess what? She could care less. Coming from Morocco (oooh how exotic), Omzi is something else. Did I mention she has been to Lebanon? :D Anyways, today I get myself ready, typical jeans, t-shirt, my flip flops, and Blackberry in hand and met up with her. Apparently everyone is out of town for a Lebanese gathering in a small town just north of the city, where Melhem Zain is appearing to perform...FREE OF CHARGE! Did somebody say free? YUP. So because of this free concert/celebration the city is dead. You'd be surprised to see the difference in this city when the Lebanese community goes MIA! After a good shisha, and a couple of wild laughs...we got bored. THE FLIPPIN PLACE WAS EMPTY. What to do?
We cruised this city's "version" of Gemmayze. DISSAPOINTING! But I will give it credit, it's the only part of the city where you can confirm life exists here. Anyways we know every Arab/ Lebanese restaurant in this part of the country... but tonight we came across a disturbingly magnificent discovery. There on the busy street was a Cafe Beirut! OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD? SINCE WHEN? We didn't check it out, we'll have to do that sometime soon and taste the food. Ill give you the low-down. I took a picture of it, check it out.
Where have all the real Lebanese women gone? If there's any in the room PLEASE stand up!
Coming from the Bekaa Valley, my idea of the real Lebanese woman is one who will be with you until the end, no matter what. She is a woman who has a strong personality, but is very feminine at the same time. She is someone who laughs and cries secretly because she doesnt want the world to know how she's feeling, on who has a smile like no other, and knows how to handle herself in any situation. She should know our traditions, but embrace change. But most importantly, she should have two things. Class and a brain.
I'm not sitting her stating that Lebanese women don't have class or brains. I'm saying its very rare nowadays. The past three years have changed my opinion about Lebanese women. They went from the IDEAL woman to have....to the worlds best gold-diggers. I'm not talking about the typical bimbos, i'm talking about the women who have a good education, come from good families, raised with good morals, have dreams and passions, and could ultimately one day be very successful on their own, who are settling for the nearest, fattest, baldest, hairiest, and sweatiest rich man. I mean sure his car beats any person's car that you know, he spends more in one day then "so-and-so" does in 3 months...but anjad?
Go for whoever you want, ultimately it's your choice in the end, but please don't give me the stupid excuse like i'm in love with him because "albo tayeeb" and "he treats me good"... drop it as fast as you dropped your self respect. By the way, when girls say words like that, my brain automatically translates it into "Al Language". Al Language (mine hehe) translates those 2 sentences as follows: albo tayeeb = i can look past his fatness and his nastyness, he treats me good = he spends lots of money on me. Thats ALL it means. So just say it. What happened to true love? I mean 90% of our women are superficial and 75% silicon... did you have to implant LOVE with botox as well?
The point is, what happens to the genuine Lebanese man? I'm talking about the one who will love you with all honesty, and care for you 20 times more than the millionaire who bought you. 3al 2aleeleh (translation: at least), the genuine Lebanese man wont have a pet name for you and his car. Does the genuine Lebanese man become kikha? Opt for whoever you please, and whatever you want... i confirm that the problem isn't "Lebanese men" as you women have said, the problem is you gold-digging women. Do as you please :). But this is the real question. Is there any real Lebanese women out there? The ones who love you no matter what, jump onto the back of your motorcycle and elope with you, not caring about anything but how much she cares for you? If there is, drop me a message... it will help me with my sanity.
Ivy Says: Tourists in Lebanon :)
I was on a site today by the name of IVY . Ivy apparently is hilarious. Ivy has strong opinions. I loved them. This is a tiny exert from Ivy's post about Tourists in Lebanon. It made me laugh at the top of my lungs.... and I thought I'd share it with you.
"A gulf man, wearing a shiny D&G three sizes smaller shirt, with nasty sandals and enough perfume to suffocate a group of hamsters, followed me around while I was shopping in Beirut Souks. I was dressed decently, in other words, I did not look like a prostitute. But of course the man said stuff like: I love Lebanese girl and how much? HOW MUCH!!!! Priceless you ape!
I get it , we don’t have the best reputation abroad but this man has the audacity to treat me this way on my turf!!!"
I really couldn't agree more with you Ivy. I mean our women dress as they please, party until the sun comes out, and are the most beautiful in the world (in my opinion at least), so we get people like gulf men(mostly Kuwaiti's and Emerati's... as the Saudi's have a bit more respect than the first two mentioned) running around and treating our women like prostitutes. I want to make it clear, a women who dresses as she pleases, has freedom to do what she wants, and dates OPENLY is not a PROSTITUTE. In fact (and this goes out to the Middle Easterner's who have a bad image about Lebanese women), I would suggest a walk down Ain Mraysseh area of Beirut... SURPRISE! Most of the prostitutes aren't Lebanese! WOW :) So please respect the country your in, and the people who live in it. This doesn't only apply to the FREAKS and PIGS who treat our women like skanks, but to the RECKLESS drivers...come on man! You think because your in Lebanon you can drive like a flippin lunatic? Especially since we know in whatever country your coming from your most likely driving sanely and following the damn laws! Also littering? Like anjad. Nothing pisses me off more than some kalbi from abroad throwing garbage out the window of her car while she's driving (like an angry rhino on the loose) and then goes back to Canada, America or England only to sit and complain about the garbage problem in Lebanon.
To earn respect, you must give respect. Ugh. So pleasee respect Lebanon, it's people, and it's history. If you dont like that? You could always go and vacation in the deserts of the Gulf. No?
Thursday, July 1, 2010
My party going loves back home! See you soon!
My friends are trying to rub it in my face. And by "it" I mean the amount of fun they are having in the streets of Beirut, Byblos, Batroun and Jounieh.
Lebanon will be under siege the second I land.
Be PREPARED for...
ME!
Beirut: A Memoir Part 1
Hey guys, I'm feeling a bit homesick, and I cant help but miss Beirut like crazy today. I got a request from someone to post a personal blog...actually a memoir of Beirut is what they asked me for. My love of writing memoirs has been exposed....THANKS Charbel. Ummm I wrote this memoir a year and a half ago for a class. The story is very true, lol and umm very me, very corny. So I decided to share it with you. Don't try and plagiarize it, ill rip you into shreds hehe.. JUST KIDDING. But seriously don't, I handed this in for a university course, and if you try and use it, the scanner the universities use, will definitely pick it up. So here it is my memoir part 1 (ill post part 2 next week, you'll like the end) P.s. You'll understand the picture later on in my memoir! Ill also search online for wall-paper to show off that was like the one I had back there. Plus when i handed this in, i did the first sentence from the first sentence of Fairouz's song "Li Beirut" and the last sentence of my memoir was fromt he last sentence in the song. hehe i got a 98%. Enjoy:
Li Beirut min qalbi salamoun li Beirut, li sakhraten ka2ennaha wajho ba77aren qadeemi. I can still feel its humidity, the feeling of my very light clothes sticking onto me and my extremely warm skin. The sun was starting to come up and the outside temperature was already 25 degrees Celsius and the sounds from the streets blasting into my room from the balcony's open doors. I remember the neighbors on their balcony above mine speaking in quick Armenian, the music blasting from the music store at the end of the street, the group of women picking lentils from a tray for the day's dinner while reading each other's fortunes from tipped over coffee cups, and the church bells starting to ring all across the neighborhood so beautifully intertwined with the sound of the Mosque's muezzin. I was still shocked that I was up so early, when I had only fallen asleep 2 hours earlier. I loved the night, I still do. Beirut was my heaven, it was somewhere I could be myself, roam the streets pointlessly, watch the thousands of different people walk up and down the streets, and party until the sun comes up. That day was different, I didn't get up at 4 pm but instead at 9 am, like I said only 2 hours after getting home. I remember not being able to fall asleep, there was so much going on around me, I did not want to miss a single bit of it. I think it was the voice of Fairouz blasting from every apartment, car, store, and balcony that really made me want to get up. Ya Mina el Habayeb. Ahhh yes, that was the song.
I recall sitting up, looking around, all tiredness gone from my evidently red eyes, and the hangover not settling in yet. I was still in jeans and my Prada sandals still on my feet... it obviously was a wild night. I quickly jumped into a cold shower, not wanting to wait for the water to heat up in the 'azan/or electric water heater if you will. I got dressed and put on my very punk-rock style hat, and t-shirt when I noticed my phone was not charged at all. I quickly grabbed my charger and wallet. I would later charge it in a small bistro called Paul's in Ashrafieh. What am I going to do? I thought over and over... for sure my partners in crime are all in bed, and wont be up for another 6 hours. I decided to walk and cab, leaving my car behind. Staying in Ashrafieh I felt like I was in an old quarter of Paris, the French, the croissants, the laughing, Chaps Elysees blasting from an old cafe, the shy yet curious girls, and most importantly the amazingly stylish and may i add lavish lifestyle. Beirut had gone through a war summer prior, and I couldn't even tell. It was just as lively. I guess Beirut could never die.
I roamed the streets, buying pointless things, eating and browsing around the alleys and streets nobody goes to. I wanted to discover them, I felt like I was alive, something pulled me further and deeper into the city. I didn't want to miss a thing. I took pictures of every street, sign, cafe, church or mosque that i came across. I was like a lost Canadian tourist, but still nothing scared me. After having enough,physically not mentally may I add, i decided it was about time I woke up the party goers I am so infatuated with. I took a taxi to Hamra, and there I would find Lina and Adham for sure...the infamous brother and sister duo who grew to be my brother and sister with time. Walking into their building and onto their floor I could feel the cool air from the air conditioned apartments. I rang the bell, and Taunt Rosette opens the door, she was a short and stubby woman, not like Charbel's tall and extremely young looking mother, but oh could Taunt Rosette cook! I went inside and sat in the living room, after three months I felt quite at home may I add. Their home was not like the one I stayed in back in Eastern Beirut. Theirs was a typical classical French era furniture type, very polished, and formal home. Mine however was something out of a 1940's black and white film. It had the simple bed with all the white sheets and covers (which were pointless as they were thrown on the floor, as it was too warm to use them anyways....besides I usually passed out on the sofas). The walls in my apartment were composed of yellow and white striped wall paper...it sounds weird but it was amazing. My bed was by the balcony, and the living area actually opened up to a balcony of it's own. In simplicity...my apartment was Bohemian....oh sweet Bohemia. Taunt Rosette had told me the two were still sleeping, so I took the liberty of jumping on their beds until they got up. Adham's "kufriyeit" and very loud cussing obviously meant he wasn't very happy with it...but he was up nonetheless. After a quick shower from each of them, Taunt Rosette made the finest of all dishes... yummy farouj (roasted chicken) and garlic dip. After thanking her, and a couple of violent kisses on my cheek, she let us depart. She knew better than saying no, I think she grew accustomed to her children, the rest of us included, not coming home until the sun comes up. She worried a lot... so caring. We had one more stop, and two more people to get. Luckily Fares and Charbel lived in the same building, a building I remember from my first visit to Beirut. We decided to split up... I would convince Fares's dad, who was a much harder person to convince that his son should be out, instead of at the architecture company he owned, while Lina and Adham would grab Charbel , whose parents probably spent just as much time as we did roaming Beirut at night. It was still 6 pm and Fares and Charbel had only been up for an hour or so. We loved to argue. We loved the night. We loved each other. We left so the later two can get a bite to eat.
Charbel was the jokester. I remember him on the corniche tickling and poking the street vendors and laughing until he could not breath anymore every time one of them would cuss at him violently. Lina would giggle and skip alongside him. It rained that day, right then and there. Something so rare in Beirut during the summer. Jumping onto my back and screaming for me to run somwhere dry, Lina bent closer into my ear and whispered to me. She said "it's raning, id3eh la Allah (make a wish) and it'll come true". I looked to the side so i could get a glimpse of her head, as she was still piggy-backing and she had that large, sweet, and innocent smile. I was lost and shrugged it off. Then she said it again, this time explaining in Lebanese tradition that when it rains, you make a wish to the Lord. And thats when I did it. Right there, dashing through the puddles, I screamed out my one and only wish... "God please keep this city". Taking shelter from the rain there on Barbar's facing the Raouche and drinking my freshly squeezed orange juice, and bracing myself for the long night ahead of us, I realized that my soul would forever be attached and lost in this city. My four best friends would each have a piece, as I knew deep down they would never let go of it, or trade it for anything in the world, every street and alley I had passed that day would have a piece of it, the church's bells, and the mosque's minarets would also have a piece. A piece would go to Fairouz for her beautiful and energetic voice, and the other parts of it would be lost forever, floating around in the city, feeling with it, living with it, crying when it does, laughing when it does, hurting with every bomb, and recovering with every tractor. Then I realized...I haven't lost my soul in Beirut, in fact Beirut had BECOME my soul. It took me over, and I didn't care. The strong, beautiful, wise, majestic and sarcastically problematic woman Beirut was, had won me over. I would love no other, I would die for no other...Beirut the woman who had stolen my heart, and shaped my soul would be there forever. With a punch from Charbel and a giggle from Lina following close behind, I was knocked out of my deep thought. I got up, and walked into the now dry street and into the sun with my best friends, only to wake up late in the afternoon the next day, and repeat the process. Anti Beirut li... Anti li... Ah 3aneeqeeni.
By TheOtherLebanon - In dedication to the city of love, the city of passion, the city of smiles, tears, and beauty...to Beirut.
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