(Contrary to popular belief as a result of the “Sober Saudi” hiatus, a lot has been taking place here at the KAUST Zoo over the past three weeks. However, as a wise Mother of mine once said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” So I’m keeping the events of the past three weeks locked in a safe place and listening to Mom this time.)
It’s official. I Love Beirut… and I almost bought the lousy t-shirt to prove it (except it was sun-stained and being worn by an old man when I saw it).
I don’t know if I’m going to embrace every multi-cultured city like this whenever I leave KAUST, but I’m worried that I might even be susceptible to falling in love with Stockton, CA when everything’s said and done… How could a school like KAUST represent over 70 countries and still leave someone feeling culturally empty? You’ll never know!
Needless to say, our small pilgrimage to the “Paris of the Middle East” was destined for success from the start.
Largely unfamiliar with the turmoil that is Lebanon’s past (and sometimes present), we ventured into this jewel of a country with high hopes and a natural buzz. It wasn’t until we’d nearly died in a taxi, tasted the strong Lebanese coffee, and explored a cathedral, mosque, and nightclub all on the same block, that we could truly appreciate Beirut for daring to be different.
It is difficult to describe a city accurately with only three days exposure (two days if you count the aftermath of the Beirut nightlife) but two things were apparent; the Lebanese are a proud and fashionable people. I don’t know how many places exist in this world where you can walk through a bullet-ridden neighborhood in which every passing citizen is dressed like they’re ready for a gala or a business meeting, but I was impressed. Even the Lebanese soldiers lining the streets wore smiles as they provided directions with the nod of their rifles (smiles may have been because of the Brazilian girls with us, but that’s beside the point).
All extremities considered, the one thing that I will take away from Lebanon with admiration was how they live in a largely tolerant, respecting, and modern society. I know it’s tough to make these conclusions based on the general lack of transparency in this part of the world, but it was very much encouraging to see Muslims and Christians (and some Druze I’m sure!) dining, shopping, and interacting all in perfect harmony.
I imagine Lebanon is the only place in the Middle East where I’d be welcome to visit a mosque donning a tank top and shorts by a smiling Imam. It’s also probably the only place where I could walk through a university campus, see a girl in a pink cocktail dress asking people to “Vote PRETTY” (the name of her student political party), and proceed to vote “PRETTY” without asking any questions; although to say “PRETTY” would be a harsh understatement…
Is it possible to study abroad in graduate school? If so, sign me up.
It is so good to hear from you! Now I want to venture to Lebanon and experience the richness of their culture.
Tell us something about the KAUST zoo. All I’ve heard is praise so far about the place. Com’n give us the gossip.
You would be the one to find Brazilian girls to explore Beirut with.
hate to rain on your parade, but you still have a lot to learn about Lebanon, its chronically racist culture, its near fatalist capitalist views and its dedication to cosmetics and I do not mean the type you put on your face.
Again, I am not trying to burst anyone’s bubble but anyone who cares about truth, human rights and cultures in the ME cannot ignore Lebanon’s ails
my comment too hot for you?
no comment’s too hot! i appreciate the insight. it’s possible that the dedication to cosmetics served Lebanon well in the instance of my trip! surely reading more on the country since my visit. cheers.
Weellll that last line made me chuckle…Little did you know, when mom told me you had a new blog she said the whole thing was about her.