First CNN, now BBC News. Beirut Tourism is booming

It all started with New York Times stating that Beirut is the #1 place to visit in 2009 among other 44 top cities in the world last January, and then for the past 3 to 4 days, the famous CNN video that has been circulating all emails and blogs, the video is about Beirut being the best party city, showing beaches, festivals, ruins and our famous Hookah, to be followed today by this article on BBC News .

"The numbers have doubled, and I am not surprised. Lebanon has it all: the environment, weather, nature, nightlife, ruins and history - and we are still the cheapest country to visit in the Middle East," says Mr. Marouni.

And finally, without forgetting, this blog, Independence05.com that has been promoting tourism and places to visit in Lebanon (on the right pane of the blog) for the past 3 years. I'd like to think I brought in to Lebanon a tourist or two.

It seems like Beirut/Lebanon is now the talk of the international town, the article or video or any form of video always states what a horrible and dark and sad place Beirut was for the past 4 years and how it is booming now. Analysis and synthesis are being provided, but really, if you ask any Lebanese they will tell you, we knew that. We partied while there was war to be honest, but media always reports the bomb and the ugly. But I will make it short because I am at work, on this blog and many other Lebanese blogs we all hoped for the elections 2009 to go by smoothly because we knew if it did, then we will get the best summer in Lebanon in years.

Enjoy Lebanon.

Photos of Ziad Rahbani`s منيحة at UNESCO

بغنى عن التعريف. كانت روعة

I`m gay

I wrote the below post on another blog, but I am going to post it here where a wider audience is more reachable. I would love to hear your take on the subject.

If you're Lebanese and you're gay, what do you do? (I will focus on males in this post)

On a Sunday afternoon 5 years ago, my friends, a guy and a girl, and myself got together in a coffee shop to catch up on each others' news. We went to the same faculty, we were, a biologist, a physicist, and a computer science geek (yours truly). We had graduated a year earlier. After talking about here and there, new car, new job, new degree, old friends, who are we seeing, who aren't we seeing, who traveled and who stayed, my friend suddenly blurts out that's he's a bisexual. I hadn't seen him go out with any girl all our college years, it wasn't a complete surprise for us, my friend and I being the (sort of) nonjudgmental persons, and the sort of people who don't want to appear as judgmental and non-supportive and close-minded, we made it easy on him, we loved him, he was our friend, that was his choice, so be it. He told us he went out with guys and the whole story. He said bisexual, but in reality he meant homosexual, he thought that probably saying bisexual is easier to the ear, and I think he might be right in general.

Back then being gay meant getting beat up, getting dissed, being offended, and it sort of still like that now, but more tolerated in certain cases.
Back then in our society, gays did not present themselves as gays, they either went out with a girl or even got married and had children, in order to hide who they really are (that still happens of course).
Back then I couldn't tell a gay guy from a straight guy, I think most of us Lebanese didn't have this knowledge. Now? It's very different.

How unhappy were they? How unhappy are they still? Hiding the fact that you like to be single till you're 35-36 is a hard fact to tell your surrounding and makes you feel like you're carrying a lie that weighs a ton, how about tell them you fancy the same sex as yours?

The most recent story, is an acquaintance of mine, who left to another country to study, but am sure that wasn't his main reason. He's gay abroad, and straight over here. Can you imagine the lie he lives in? The truth he has to hide when he's back here. The most recent time he came to Lebanon, he decided to come out to his folks, I personally thought that was not the right choice, because I worried for his well-being. He's the eldest and his dad will not look at him as someone being normal who's only living a different life than
the conventional one. For him he's his eldest son, who will bare his name, who will have children of his own that will bare their grandfather's name, who will continue with the family chain of members and a whole new generation. That is what his father will think. What will his neighbors think? He was not man enough to raise his son to be a man? Yes, unfortunately, people here think that being a gay man, makes you less of a man. Oh how much of a wrong definition do we have for the word "being a man", the Lebanese equivalent is "rijjel", with an emphasis on the double J.

The father was also abroad, he works abroad to provide better for his resident family. He came back for a week only, intersecting with his son's visit as well. He was mad at his son and barely talking to him. My friend asked his dad:
"Are we going to talk about what is it that is making you give me the silent treatment?"
The father replies: "I've heard stories about you going the wrong way in --country's name--."
The son: "That's not a wrong way, that's my choice!"
His dad: "I think you should see a doctor, a psychiatrist or something like that. He will help you."

I will stop here, I'm sure you know by now how the conversation went. I understand it's no easy thing to admit such a fact, I wouldn't want to be in my friend's shoes, I am even scared to tell my dad I don't want to move to the US and that's nothing compared to his story. And definitely it's no easy thing for the parents either. And I honestly always prepare myself in case I ever have a child, and he/she turns out to be gay, how will I take it? I accept my friends being gay, but can I accept my children being gay? I'd hate to have double standards. But I know how hard it is for someone to be someone he's not, to have to hide his own true self to the people they love and known all their life. It's a damn hard situation.

Madeleine Peyroux at Beiteddine, not to forgive and not to forget

When I went to Byblos a month ago to attend Loreena McKennitt's concert, although I love listening to her music and I find it very creative and rich, so is her amazing soprano voice, however I didn't enjoy my time that much, maybe I was far, maybe listening to all kinds of Celtic music live isn't as enjoyable as it is on your own radio on your own time and mood.

Nevertheless this is not the case with Madeleine Peyroux whom I saw yesterday in Beiteddine Palace. My first impression was that everything was extremely organized, we got there at 7:30pm, so the bus picked us up from the parking lot and took us to the venue. Before entering to the stage, there are 2 lines on both sides, full of coffee shops and mini-restaurants, drinks bars and others. If you walk up the road again, there is a small Saj Café, not very tasty though and a bit expensive. So my advice for you is to try and get something to eat in the region of Chouf, this way you will be sure to get a taste of the traditional.

Later on when we entered, on every two seats there was a magazine about Beirut being the world book capital for this year, and it was written in 4 languages for a change and not the 3 known ones in Lebanon, the 4th language was Spanish.

The stage wasn't very big, smaller than Byblos's stage. The part at the end of the stage contained a closed and inaccessible section of chairs. The stage looked very nice, nothing less can be expected in such a beautiful palace that was built in the early 19th century by Emir Bechir Chehab II.

The difference between this venue and others I've been to, was the familiarity and closeness between the people there, perhaps because it was not as crazily crowded, and perhaps it was because we were closer to the stage. Yet in summary, it was easier to be there, smoother.

When Madeleine Peyroux entered, she wasn't wearing anything fancy, a cute outfit, long jacket, jeans and boots. That is something we do not see Arab female artists do often. With artists such as Madeleine Peyroux, it is about the music, the lyrics, the voice and the cute in between jokes.

If you have never heard Madeleine Peyroux before, and you are a fan of Jazz & Blues, I highly recommend that you listen to her, although when you do, you will love her, and when you do, you will regret not having attended her concert yesterday. Her voice live was even better than when it's recorded in the studio. Why would you attend a concert and not listen to a CD? The main reason is the experience. The artist should interact and offer you with something you don't hear on the CD. And that is what Madeleine Peyroux did.

When you listen to her, you don't feel you're in Beiteddine Palace or even in Lebanon anymore, you travel with her voice to wherever she wants you to, be it New Orleans or Paris.

One small disappointment was the drums, he was very good, but being a drums instrument fan, I was waiting for a breath-taking drums solo.

At the end, and as the tradition goes, they leave, we applaud for encores, they come back, but hey it's Madeleine, and she didn't cease to surprise us, she did a finale song by herself, solo, on her guitar with her famous hat on her head, the song was "La vie en rose". It was beautiful, lucky me, I was able to get close to her and take great close-ups with my useless cam, because I had forgotten my better one at home. No matter, the souvenir is what counts.

If she's back next year, I really advise you to come and enjoy her show.

In a nutshell, it was a "inolvidable". Just my way of practicing my Spanish.

Ziad Rahbani at Unesco

Ziad Rahbani will be in concert on 25/26 and 27 July 2009 at UNESCO
Palace. Entrance 20'000LL

I found this link where you can listen to Ziadiyat.
http://ziad.bloggingbeirut.com/

Visiting Lebanon? Check these links out

I assembled some links for those of you who want to visit Lebanon. My advice of course, try to talk to a resident Lebanese person and they will prepare a whole program for you, and tell you where to go exactly depending on the type of activities you like, meanwhile, you can check these links.

Country Clubs:
http://www.wbccbekaa.com
http://www.batrounvclub.com/

Beach Resorts:
http://www.eddesands.com/
http://www.ocaponline.com/
There are no links, but there are some great beaches (sandy or rocky) in Jbeil (Byblos), Amshit, Batroun, Chekka, Herri, Tyr...

Water Parks:
http://www.wavespark.net/
http://www.splashmountainlb.com/

Nature & Environment / Adventure:
http://www.lareserve.com.lb/
http://www.ecoecovillage.com/
http://www.afdc.org.lb/mdfcl.php

Festivals & Concerts & Cultural Activities:
http://www.baalbeck.org.lb/
http://www.beiteddine.org/
http://www.byblosfestival.org/
http://www.batrounfestival.org/

Other
http://www.downtownbeirut.com/lb
And more Calendar of events

Make sure you check the block on the right, Where to go when you visit Lebanon. If you need more info or help, comment here or send me an email.

Class of Michael Jackon 2009

Michael Jackson was even remembered at a the graduation of a local university in Lebanon, Notre Dame University / NDU - Zouk, the engineering students did not want to graduate apparently without paying respect to Michael Jackson, whereas they specifically called themselves "The class of the martyr* Michael Jackson", picture below. Funny atmosphere indeed. At least they graduated with a funny attitude.



*martyr: In Lebanon the word martyr has been overused for any person (we all respect them of course) who died in an assassination, explosion, passers-by, war, etc... No doubt all lives are valued and we pay them respect after they die, nevertheless not everyone who dies is a martyr even if he was mistakenly killed or viciously killed. Martyr has a whole different meaning.

ANAdiva campaign

ANAdiva (ANA = me in arabic), the alternative role model

For more details check this website www.anadiva.com and download the
competition brief, in a nutshell it is a campaign involving:
. Influence of Media on Women
. Globalization and its effects
. Plastic Surgery
. Art and Design

This campaign is driven by an identified social need to change
behaviors and perspectives. It aims originally at Lebanese women but
will expand to reach others as well. It aims to celebrate uniqueness,
individuality and fight back the "look alikes" females created in our
society.

Be part of this campaign and join the competition!
This competition allows each individual to visualize his/her "ideal" woman.
The deadline for the competition is 10th of August 2009.
This campaign will be promoted on OTV.

The new Extra commercial

I was listening to the radio when the Extra commercial came on. The
Extra commercial has had the same generic theme since maybe 10 years,
they just change the lyrics according to the current social/political
situation.

Recently, when Nabih Berri was voted President of the Lebanese
parliament for the 5th time, some people celebrated by shooting into
the air, 2 persons were wounded. Unfortunately for us some people in
Lebanon have the habit of celebrating by shooting guns into the air.

Anyway, in the song, it is mentioned in the lyrics that when the new
Prime Minister is chosen, not to celebrate by shooting guns in the
air, because, as it was said in the song: "I did the month and
calculated that if I shoot a bullet into the air, it is bound to fall,
and it might fall on me", so he continued by advising people to use
fireworks instead, they're more cheap, fun, colorful (mentioned all
the colors of the political parties in Lebanon, aka rainbow).

So, yes, even a juice commercial wants a part in politics, but it's
fine, I liked it, it can be heard by many, and perhaps (apparently law
isn't stopping people) it can stop people from celebrating in this
manner.

Lebanon Voyager هل أنت لبناني طبيعي؟

I received this email, and found the idea of the website to be nice, so here I am encouraging the dudes who did this website.

 هل أنت لبناني طبيعي؟  وشو بتعمل بيومك العادي

 بتوصل مأخر على الشغل وتعبان
 
١- بتدور الكمبوتر

 ٢- بتعمل نسكافه

 ٣- بتبعت أس. أم. أس. لأصحابك تتقلن صباح الخير

  .... بس بتبعت من الإنترنت لأنو أوفر

٤- بتقرا جريدة عل انترنت تتشوف مين سب مين من السياسيين 

  بعدين بتتذكر إنو  لازم تشتغل شوي ...ف بتشتغل شوي

٥-  بتبلش تجوع وبتصير تفتش على بروشور  بالمكتب وما بتلاقي شي.....ف بتفتش عل انترنت على شي محل عندو ديليفري 

٦-بعدين بيوصلك ايمايل إنو في حدا  عملك تاغ عفايس بوك

 ٧- ما فيك تستعمل ال أم. أس. أن. بالشغل ..ممنوع ....فبتستعمل   "إي بادي"  بتعمل مشاريع مع أصحابك من شين عشيي

 ٨- بتشوف الطقس عل انترنت تتعرف شو لازم تلبس عشيي وإذا خرج مشروع بحر بل ويك اند

 ٩- بتفتش عل انترنت شو في أفلام حلوه ...أو شي محل ترحلو إنت وأصحابك

 هون بكون خلص النهار ....فبتطفي  الكمبيوتر وبتفل ...

 إذا بتعمل هل قصص كل يوم فإذا إنت لبناني طبيعي... وفيك تستعمل هيدا  الويب سايت   

 click here

 فيك تلاقي كل شي بدك ...وبسرعة

بدل ما تضلك تفتش ساعات ....

The blindness of some Lebanese people

It's impressive how much would a person who likes a certain political party blind himself or come up with excuses and explanations just to justify their wrongfully executed actions or speeches.

People being upset of what happened with Gad Elmaleh, and not mentioning the poor women who died on her balcony in last week's clashes in Aisha Bakkar in Beirut doesn't make those people insensitive bastards and doesn't diminish demanding democracy or not impacting the image of Lebanon.

Those two acts are completely different things. Some people take things a bit too far sometimes, say Facebook and the silly groups thinking that things like that would make a difference.

But the truth remains the same, the media "Al Manar" allowed false information to be broadcasted influencing people negatively and leading for the artist to cancel. For every action there is a reaction, and for every consequence there is a cause.

On another note, if Gad Elmaleh was in IDF or a sympathizer with IDF and Israel, I would be the first to call to kick him out of here. The dude is just a comedian.

P.S. Freedom of speech is not "spreading false information that hurt other parties".

It's important to be open minded and smart, and not a sheep (in both ways, following a good or a bad example) , thinking before you act.