Lebanon

I wasn't about to miss the Christmas spirit just because I'm in the Middle East. Cathay's resident 'leng jai' Eddie flew over to check out the former (and current?) warzone of Lebanon with me. He also has the honor of being the guest photographer for this posting, so that explains why everything looks much better this time (yes I know, photos will be up once I get the CD from Eddie).

THE PEOPLE - Over the past decade and a half, they've seen death, destruction and suffering, but the sight of an oriental still seems a little foreign to them. They don't seem to be shy about starting conversations though. I've experienced many kinds of greetings, the most common of which I've listed below, in order of frequency:

1) "Konichiwa!"

2) "Japan number one!"

3) "Yalah ("let's go" in Arabic) SUSHI!"

4) "Ni hao!" (combined with hands clasped together while bowing)

5) "Hey China/Yao Ming/Jackie Chan!" (combined with martial arts poses and/or kung-fu screams)

Once you see past what seems to be rudeness or ignorance, you will find genuine warmth (except in cases '3' and '5,' mostly from youths), as the above is almost always followed by a heartfelt "welcome to Lebanon." Nowhere in Hong Kong will you find people who look you in the eye and say this to you without wanting to make a buck out of you. Still standing after all the years of carnage, they are eager to hear you say how beautiful their country is. And beautiful their country is.

THE LADIES - Wow.

THE SKIING - Snowboarding over Christmas in Lebanon...who would have thought. I fell more times than I could remember (crashing head first into the snow didn't help), but Faraya Mzaar was gorgeous, and only one hour away from the beaches of Beirut! The sight of countless Lebanese girls zooming by in tight ski outfits and oakleys with their hair tied back alone was worth the trip.

THE CAPITAL - No surprise as to why Beirut was once considered the 'Paris of the Middle East.' Beautifully restored buildings sitting alongside mangled mixtures of metal and bullet-ridden concrete only adds to the city's character and emphasizes its people's resolve. Reconstruction work continues with speed and determination. I'll definitely be back.

THE TRAVEL COMPANION - No surprise as to why Eddie is knowing as the 'Prince of CX.' That professional-grade camera hanging from the broad shoulders of his 6-foot plus frame only adds to his charisma and emphasizes his sensitive, artsy side. He works the ladies with efficiency and ruthlessness. He says he'll be back. The Lebanese ladies can't be happier.

Checked out the New Year's Eve partying scene in Rue Monot and Downtown before spending the countdown walking along the Northern seaside with a lamb brain sandwich (yes) in hand.

Comments

[Julie]

Lebanon sounds awesome. Makes me want to visit. And the brain sandwich sounds yummy.

[Peter]

Yo.... we need chic pics! = P