Where Hariri is buried. I went today and it was intense.
Somehow, it’s not what I imagined. I was thinking more along the lines of a mini-Dubai with decadent nightclubs on every corner (it’s all your fault Jad Shewery, you are your stupid Funky Arabs music video) but so far it looks just like any other small Arab country (Qatar, Jordan, etc).
It’s been so long since I took an EgyptAir flight, I almost peed myself laughing at the Egyptian TV version of the guy that walks you through the flight safety tutorial. Big moustache, big belly, etc showing you how to put on your oxygen mask, etc.
I’m here for a couple of weeks till the elections, and God is it going to be crazy. Spent my first night here intently debating Lebanese politics. And I’ve never seen so many ads for politicians running for office ever. Making fun of their slogans (especially the ones that tell you “don’t vote for the slogan, vote for the program) is vairy fun. Without even knowing who the parties are, I can say that the strongest ones are:
1) Vote for change. I vote Orange (Girl with orange lipstick).
2) We won’t bring them back. And the sky is blue.
We won’t forget. And the sky is blue. (Hmm, translation isn’t really getting the meaning across).
Anyway, it’s going to be an interesting couple of weeks. I don’t think I’ll have much time to write, so forgive me in advance.
OMG! I am actually studying in the American University here in Beirut! And I know what you mean about Visualizing Beirut when you have never visited it! When I got my acceptance and I started thinking of Beirut! All I thought of was Haifa and Elissa! But since I came here I am in love with Beirut; the way it is and the people within this amazing little capital.
Regarding Politics; it is one of the most interesting things here! The more you live here; the more you will be amazed by how strong the political affiliations in this country! And the Debates are seriously TOHFA!
Rabna yustor 3alla el entekhabat
By the way did you see the ad that says ” Sois Belle et Vote” ! it is driving feminists groups here Crazy! Check it out…
And Welcome to Beirut: D!
I don’t know much about Beirut or their politics, but I LOVE the Egypt Air guy! He makes me smile whenever I see him. I actually watch the safety video because he’s so funny.
Ah, visiting Hariri’s “grave” was definitely an intense experience for me too. I am glad I had a Lebanese friend along to explain me the background and make me understand to a certain point why it is like that.
I actually expected Lebanon to look typically Middle-East (whatever that is), but when I got there it was much more like Southern Europe. Well, apart from the bullet holes in the walls and tanks at the corners, of course.