How do I even begin to explain the comfort I feel being here. No anxiety - no worries - just pure enjoyment. Enjoyment of life, love and of exploring and getting to know new people, places and cultures.
Sitting in a car last night, around 2 am, on my way home from a party in Broummana, I couldn't help but laugh and enjoy every moment. On my left was Jeremy, tired and almost falling asleep on my shoulder. To my right, Cedric, a Belgian man working for the European Commission, who just arrived in Beirut last week. The passenger, Ariella, a German student working at an internship with an NGO here in Beirut, and the driver, Georges - a wonderful Lebanese man who runs a jewelry store, and studied in Dallas, Texas for a few years. Here we are, listening to the Beach Boys, the Beatles, and some crazy techno.
French pervades the air, I try to pick up little words here and there. We all laugh and sing and clap along with the songs - sounding horrible, but not really giving a damn.
A truly, multi-cultural experience. and all of us really enjoying life and the moments that we found ourselves in, together.
These are the times that I will remember, sharing moments with people, from all cultures.
I was reminded last night to live in the moment. To believe in the universe, and have faith that you are in the right place, and that the world will help to conspire to fulfill your true needs.
I know that I will find what I need here, and that I will enjoy all the moments in between.
I wish everyone the same peace, trust, and love of this world, the universe, and of the little moments, that I experience every day!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Musings on Beirut
As I sit in my little one bedroom apartment, with a tiny kitchen, a bathroom, and no sitting room, I think to myself… why the hell am I paying $550 a month for this? Granted, there is 24-hour security and desk staff, a cleaning lady who comes and cleans twice a week (and changes the sheets and towels once a week), and it is fully furnished. But still… $550 a month?
These are some of the questions I ask myself. I walk down ‘Rue Jeanne de Arc’ and do a little window shopping. Shops like ‘Moustache’ and ‘Poupa’ grab my attention – they have style, flair, and signs like ‘Fashion has no rules’. Then I turn on to ‘Rue Hamra’. The main street in this area. I see Starbucks, Vero Moda, Costa Coffee, and shops with $150 pairs of pants, evening gowns for $300+ and loads of lingerie shops. There goes the thought that Lebanon is this war-torn country, ravaged by hate and indifference.
Then you take a walk downtown. The camps are still set up around the government buildings. Like a squatter city, or rather, two of them. One for the March 8 followers, one for the March 14 followers. And a wall between them. And then, 5 days after we arrived, a car bomb explodes in an area of town known as Sin Al-Fil. The target – one of the anti-Syrian Members of Parliament. Numerous people died (including the MP), and buildings vacated.
Another view – from the top floor of a hotel around Gemayzeh area, I can see the lights of the city, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, the taxis at the base of the hotel waiting to rip me off (or make a living depending on how you looks at it). But most of all, I see tons of beautiful people. Okay – maybe only a couple hundred. We had the occasion to go to the White Club. One of the top clubs in the city – I’ve heard. Open air, on the roof top, you have to call at least a week in advance to get reservations. And there’s the catch. Every space is reserved. And it is not seen as prudent to stray from your reserved table. Believe me – we tried. The women were gorgeous – I must’ve been about 1 of maybe 15 women over a size 2, and even in a plunge-neck tank top, I was one of the most covered. Drinks were about $8-10 a piece, and I can’t even imagine what it would have cost to eat there. I was overwhelmed, and to tell you the truth, a little sickened. Don't think that I am thinking in double standards here. I would have been just as sickened in the States, and thats probably why I didn't go out there either.
In a world where there is such poverty and need, I have a hard time spending money (or even seeing others spend money) on frivolous unneeded things. it really makes it hard for me. and i know that i buy things that i don't need, and i could donate more of my time and money. how do i resolve this quandary? anyways - another look....
I haven’t been there myself, but I am looking forward to seeing south Beirut, and southern Lebanon. I have heard that it is nothing like Beirut. The development after the war isn’t happening, and there are a lot less opportunities. These are also the areas that are more likely to have connections with groups such as Hezbollah. Because Hezbollah has actually been helping the people of these areas – helping to provide housing, food, and even money. How would you (as a poor Lebanese person affected by war) not support a group like that over the government, especially when the government completely ignores you.
Speaking of government and Hezbollah, there is a widespread belief in Lebanon that the July war last year with Israel was perpetrated by both Israel and the US. The Shi’a (the group most associated with Hezbollah) believes that the US told the Israelis certain areas not to hit, and that they were actually in cahoots with the Sunnis and Christians of Lebanon also, so that the Israelis would only hit Shi’a areas. That has caused a bit of tension among the groups (I’ve heard). Again – this is hear-say. I haven’t figured all of this out yet, it’s mostly been from conversations with various Lebanese friends.
Okay – one last interesting tidbit. There is such an over abundance of doctors (and shortage of nurses) in Lebanon, and in the Middle East in general, that 20% of doctors in Lebanon make less than $500 a month. There just aren’t enough patients, and jobs for them all. (Which isn't completely true - there aren't enough patients with money is how I should've put it) A lot of MDs are actually not even working in their field, but rather working as construction foremen, or other jobs to pay the bills. An interesting factoid that I learned in class.
By now, I’ve probably bored you all with my musings. More boring tidbits to come later!
These are some of the questions I ask myself. I walk down ‘Rue Jeanne de Arc’ and do a little window shopping. Shops like ‘Moustache’ and ‘Poupa’ grab my attention – they have style, flair, and signs like ‘Fashion has no rules’. Then I turn on to ‘Rue Hamra’. The main street in this area. I see Starbucks, Vero Moda, Costa Coffee, and shops with $150 pairs of pants, evening gowns for $300+ and loads of lingerie shops. There goes the thought that Lebanon is this war-torn country, ravaged by hate and indifference.
Then you take a walk downtown. The camps are still set up around the government buildings. Like a squatter city, or rather, two of them. One for the March 8 followers, one for the March 14 followers. And a wall between them. And then, 5 days after we arrived, a car bomb explodes in an area of town known as Sin Al-Fil. The target – one of the anti-Syrian Members of Parliament. Numerous people died (including the MP), and buildings vacated.
Another view – from the top floor of a hotel around Gemayzeh area, I can see the lights of the city, the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, the taxis at the base of the hotel waiting to rip me off (or make a living depending on how you looks at it). But most of all, I see tons of beautiful people. Okay – maybe only a couple hundred. We had the occasion to go to the White Club. One of the top clubs in the city – I’ve heard. Open air, on the roof top, you have to call at least a week in advance to get reservations. And there’s the catch. Every space is reserved. And it is not seen as prudent to stray from your reserved table. Believe me – we tried. The women were gorgeous – I must’ve been about 1 of maybe 15 women over a size 2, and even in a plunge-neck tank top, I was one of the most covered. Drinks were about $8-10 a piece, and I can’t even imagine what it would have cost to eat there. I was overwhelmed, and to tell you the truth, a little sickened. Don't think that I am thinking in double standards here. I would have been just as sickened in the States, and thats probably why I didn't go out there either.
In a world where there is such poverty and need, I have a hard time spending money (or even seeing others spend money) on frivolous unneeded things. it really makes it hard for me. and i know that i buy things that i don't need, and i could donate more of my time and money. how do i resolve this quandary? anyways - another look....
I haven’t been there myself, but I am looking forward to seeing south Beirut, and southern Lebanon. I have heard that it is nothing like Beirut. The development after the war isn’t happening, and there are a lot less opportunities. These are also the areas that are more likely to have connections with groups such as Hezbollah. Because Hezbollah has actually been helping the people of these areas – helping to provide housing, food, and even money. How would you (as a poor Lebanese person affected by war) not support a group like that over the government, especially when the government completely ignores you.
Speaking of government and Hezbollah, there is a widespread belief in Lebanon that the July war last year with Israel was perpetrated by both Israel and the US. The Shi’a (the group most associated with Hezbollah) believes that the US told the Israelis certain areas not to hit, and that they were actually in cahoots with the Sunnis and Christians of Lebanon also, so that the Israelis would only hit Shi’a areas. That has caused a bit of tension among the groups (I’ve heard). Again – this is hear-say. I haven’t figured all of this out yet, it’s mostly been from conversations with various Lebanese friends.
Okay – one last interesting tidbit. There is such an over abundance of doctors (and shortage of nurses) in Lebanon, and in the Middle East in general, that 20% of doctors in Lebanon make less than $500 a month. There just aren’t enough patients, and jobs for them all. (Which isn't completely true - there aren't enough patients with money is how I should've put it) A lot of MDs are actually not even working in their field, but rather working as construction foremen, or other jobs to pay the bills. An interesting factoid that I learned in class.
By now, I’ve probably bored you all with my musings. More boring tidbits to come later!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Just another day in paradise...
So I'm being a little facetious. (Is that the right spelling? or the right term?) Oh well, I had my first day of culture shock, overwhelming, pissed off, just leave me be and let me sleep kind of day yesterday.
We moved into our apartment at the 'My Home Residences', went grocery shopping, and just had a productive kind-of day. I still can't get my computer to work at school, our financial aid from the US isn't showing on our fee statements for school, and I'm sick of being stared at.
Okay, today I'm not feeling that bad, but yesterday, I just wanted to shut myself off from the world, and fall asleep and forget it all.
I'm glad it happened yesterday, and not tomorrow. We start classes tomorrow finally. I'm a bit nervous, but I'm sure it will all go well.
I learned something about Lebanese politics the other night. Unlike in the states, the president is elected by the Parliament. i was wondering why there was a significant lack of election propaganda on the streets leading up to yesterday's election. well, not yesterday' election, as it was postponed until October 23rd. i guess we'll see if that one happens or not. The real elections, by the people, are for the parliament, which isn't until 2009. I guess that's when you will really see politics in Lebanon. I hope we're here for it, for the experience.
If you can believe it, we went out the other night. Yep, we stayed up past midnight. and.... drumroll please.... Jeremy actually enjoyed going out. We met up with some other students from AUB, mostly Americans, for jazz at one of the hotels. a little strange at first, as there were mostly expats there, we met up with some lebanese friends, and then went to another cafe. ended up meeting 2 cool students from poland, just passing through, and ran into about 20 other international students at AUB. really had a great night.
I'm surprised at how many people we have actually met. people are so nice, whether they are lebanese or other nationalities. it has been wonderful.
We moved into our apartment at the 'My Home Residences', went grocery shopping, and just had a productive kind-of day. I still can't get my computer to work at school, our financial aid from the US isn't showing on our fee statements for school, and I'm sick of being stared at.
Okay, today I'm not feeling that bad, but yesterday, I just wanted to shut myself off from the world, and fall asleep and forget it all.
I'm glad it happened yesterday, and not tomorrow. We start classes tomorrow finally. I'm a bit nervous, but I'm sure it will all go well.
I learned something about Lebanese politics the other night. Unlike in the states, the president is elected by the Parliament. i was wondering why there was a significant lack of election propaganda on the streets leading up to yesterday's election. well, not yesterday' election, as it was postponed until October 23rd. i guess we'll see if that one happens or not. The real elections, by the people, are for the parliament, which isn't until 2009. I guess that's when you will really see politics in Lebanon. I hope we're here for it, for the experience.
If you can believe it, we went out the other night. Yep, we stayed up past midnight. and.... drumroll please.... Jeremy actually enjoyed going out. We met up with some other students from AUB, mostly Americans, for jazz at one of the hotels. a little strange at first, as there were mostly expats there, we met up with some lebanese friends, and then went to another cafe. ended up meeting 2 cool students from poland, just passing through, and ran into about 20 other international students at AUB. really had a great night.
I'm surprised at how many people we have actually met. people are so nice, whether they are lebanese or other nationalities. it has been wonderful.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Day ummmmm..... I think it's 6
We received quite a shock the other night, while sitting down to dinner at Zaatar w Zeit, a fun Lebanese restaurant, the news came on (all in arabic of course), and we saw flames, and destroyed buildings, and people crying and the obvious signs of a car bomb, and a few dead people. And the footage kept going... and going... and we realized that it must be local for all of the footage that they were showing. Turns out, as most of you probably know, that there was a car bomb in east Beirut a few days ago, targeting one of the anti-Syrian MPs. I won't go into the politics of this, as there are a lot. But, as I'm writing this, Jeremy and I are fine, and we saw it on the news just like you. (We are in west Beirut - FYI)
And life continues as normal. It is not that people don't care, they just know that they have to continue living, or they would all go crazy and not function so much. Maybe that's why they all smoke.
Life here has been fun. I think the hardest part for me so far has been the jetlag. We actually got one night of full sleep a couple nights ago, but most nights we are up from about midnight to 4 or 5 in the morning. wide awake. can't fall asleep. watch senseless tv. hope the guys singing down on the street will shut up. hope the car that keeps honking its horn at 4 in the morning will all of a sudden go hoarse. yep - it's like that.
And life continues as normal. It is not that people don't care, they just know that they have to continue living, or they would all go crazy and not function so much. Maybe that's why they all smoke.
Life here has been fun. I think the hardest part for me so far has been the jetlag. We actually got one night of full sleep a couple nights ago, but most nights we are up from about midnight to 4 or 5 in the morning. wide awake. can't fall asleep. watch senseless tv. hope the guys singing down on the street will shut up. hope the car that keeps honking its horn at 4 in the morning will all of a sudden go hoarse. yep - it's like that.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Queen Alia International Airport - Amman, Jordan
The time has come for the next JOURNEY to begin. Sitting at Starbucks, with my husband beside me, ready to fall fast asleep. Our travels started about 23 hours ago as we departed from the Mack household in Bettendorf, IA. On to Chicago we went, ate some good American burgers before heading to Ohare Airport. The flight to Amman was surprisingly short, for a 12 hour flight. And now, here we are. Well, for a few more hours. We are trying to keep ourselves awake so that we can sleep through the night, and wake up in the morning refreshed. Hopefully, with not too much jet-lag. We are 8-hours ahead here, so though we would only be awake a couple of hours back home, it is almost time for bed. Screws with the cycles a little. I guess that is all for now. We will be in Beirut in about 12 hours or so, so I will try to keep you all updated.
Lots of love.
Lots of love.
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