Bonjour!” Ali Abdalla, our driver, greeted us at the airport. We did a double-take, hardly expecting a French hello in Beirut.
As we often do on our travels, we asked Ali for dining suggestions. Without skipping a beat he recommended Em Sherif Café for the evening. “Great food, sir!” The food indeed was great, but what we did not expect was the raucous crowds at 10pm. As we downed a humble salad, the women around us in leather tights took deep puffs of their flavoured shisha, drink in hand. Lebanon’s energy was already too contagious.
Through our 15-minute walk from the café to our Airbnb apartment near midnight, we could see both young and old thronging eateries and bars. The initial do-we-Uber-or-do-we-walk hesitation dissolved into exuberance as we walked along the festive atmosphere. Lebanon is a land of surprises. This tiny country, one of the smallest in Asia, has so much to offer its visitors. But for a country with a history going back some 7,000-8,000 years, what is remembered, unfortunately, is the civil strife from 1975 to 1990. It left the country bruised and battered; you can still see the heavily shelled and damaged Holiday Inn at the swanky Zaitunay Bay in Beirut.
Lebanon’s six million citizens belong to as many as 18 recognised religious groups. Just over 50 per cent of the population is Muslim, and some 40 per cent Christians of various denominations. This gives rise to complex political and social situations. However, they are not enthusiastic about identifying themselves with any sect to a non-Lebanese. Like Ali told us, “I am Lebanese.” On probing—he had become a friend by now—he said that Lebanon had enough serious sectarian turmoil in the recent past and wished to forget about it.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Outlook Traveller.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
8 Unique Indian Temples
"From Ancient Rock-cut Relics To Incredible Sculptures To A Celebration Of Feminine Divine Power, Here Are Eight Remarkable Temples That You Should Add To Your Bucket List
A Temple Trail In Bali
The allure of this Island lies in its people and the culture it embodies
THE Snake WHISPERER
SNAKEMAN ROMULUS WHITAKER'S MEMOIR TAKES READERS ON A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LIFE, DELVING INTO HURDLES SUCH AS HABITAT DEGRADATION AND CULTURAL DISPARITIES CONCERNING WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
TIMELESS BENGALI CUISINE AT AAHELI
A culinary oasis nestled within the iconic Peerless Hotel on Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Aaheli is known for an exceptional dining experience
HOW GREEN IS GREEN?
THE PHENOMENON OF GREENWASHING INVOLVES DELIBERATELY FALSIFYING INFORMATION ABOUT THE GREEN CREDENTIALS OF A PRODUCT, SERVICE OR COMPANY. WHAT CAN TRAVELLERS, THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND TOUR OPERATORS DO TO FLUSH IT OUT?
IMMERSIVE UNSEEN INDIA
HAVE YOU EVER GONE FORAGING IN THE DESERT? OR LEARNT POTTERY WITHOUT A POTTER'S WHEEL? ON YOUR NEXT TRIP, TRY SOMETHING YOU'VE NEVER TRIED BEFORE
DISCOVER STUNNING ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS IN TAMIL NADU
Experience the wonders of nature and wildlife while being mindful of the surroundings by visiting these amazing ecotourism destinations
AT HOME IN SPITI
AMIDST SPITI'S TOWERING PEAKS AND BARREN LANDSCAPES, THESE HUMBLE ABODES SERVE AS BRIDGES BETWEEN CULTURES, FOSTERING MEANINGFUL INTERACTIONS AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
HIMALAYAN HEIGHTS
In the shadows of the high Himalayas, take a slow, green holiday this summer... Along the way, discover why eco journeys are much more rewarding than you thought!
TEA, TATTOOS, AND TRADITION
PHEJIN KONYAKWHOSE ANCESTRY TRACES BACK TO HEADHUNTERS-RUNS THE ONE-OF-A-KIND KONYAK TEA RETREAT IN NAGALAND