There are at least two reasons to visit Lebanon – a visa to this country is free and the flight lasts about three hours. Its capital, Beirut, looks like a modern multicultural metropolis that has retained Christian and Muslim traditions in almost equal proportions. Let’s get to know each other better!
Ukrainians In Beirut
This tiny country in the Middle East, located along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, is not so well known to the mass tourist. Nevertheless, about four thousand inquisitive Ukrainians have already visited it. The air route from our country to Lebanon runs over two seas – the Black and the Mediterranean. Neighbor states are Israel and Syria. You will surely pay attention to how the plane will land near the sea coast – an incredibly beautiful sight!
And here Beirut looms in front of you in a smooth bend – a city with thousands of lights to the very mountain peaks. In Christmas decorations, he meets Ukrainian guests. Soft moist air rushes from the ladder, the air temperature is +15 ° C, just the norm for the winter period. However, even in summer, a humid subtropical climate at + 26 ° C makes your stay in Lebanon comfortable. You can hide from the summer heat high in the mountains.
About three thousand Ukrainian citizens live in Lebanon, who have long fallen in love with the country for its special oriental spirit. Many Lebanese studied in Ukraine and remember the Russian language well. Therefore, you feel at home here. In addition, the Embassy of Ukraine in Lebanon ( http://lebanon.mfa.gov.ua/ua ) has recently been opened, thanks to which the relationship between our countries will be increasingly strengthened. Such an active initiative was expressed in Beirut by the participants of the round table on the development of tourism – Ukrainian and Lebanese tour operators.
Beirut – Middle Eastern Paris
Modern Beirut is a clean, beautiful, and safe city. Its inhabitants are open in communication and polite. They calmly react to tourists with cameras, even smile. Here are the offices of many large international companies. One of the districts of the capital is called Raush. Here you can see luxurious residential buildings, a huge number of restaurants and cafes, which are located in both directions along the rocky coast. Hotels with clean sandy beaches are being actively upset.
The central streets look somewhat deserted, it seems that no one walks along with them. The entire population drives cars. There are also private minibusses and taxis, which now and then honk through the streets, beckoning customers. But for an independent comfortable trip throughout the country, we recommend renting a car, it will be cheaper with a driver. Find out: How to rent a car abroad? Top 6 life hacks
By the way, there are no internal flights and trains on the territory of the country of 10.5 thousand square kilometers. Municipal transport is absent not only in the capital but throughout Lebanon.
You will not be able to pass by the French district of Beirut – the Solider quarter. Let’s say right away that the beauty is extraordinary – it’s like you find yourself in old Paris. Old yellow houses with openwork balconies and other decorations, lanterns, interesting fountains, cafes that serve Lebanese coffee. In general, be sure to visit this beautiful area of Beirut – a memory of the country’s colonial past.
Many people in Lebanon speak French, despite the fact that the official language is Arabic. In souvenir shops, restaurants and malls, you will be more likely to speak French than English. It is interesting that in everyday life, communicating mainly in Arabic, the Lebanese constantly insert merci, bonjour, Bonsoir, please, and sorry. Here is such a crazy mix!
Historical Heritage Of The Lebanese Capital
It is hard to believe that the Lebanese capital has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times during its existence. The last military operations on the basis of the conflict between Christians and Muslims (and not only this conflict) were fought here until the end of the 90s. At the same time, Lebanon has preserved many architectural monuments of the past millennia. Among them are excavations of Roman baths right next to the walls of Parliament.
At the beginning of its existence, the capital of Lebanon takes from the Paleolithic era. During the time of the Phoenician state, it got its name “Springs”, which in translation from the Phoenician meant “Bertie”. Under this name, the city existed almost until the beginning of the last century.
Since the first centuries of our era, Beirut has experienced so many interesting events that it would be enough for a million nightly tales of Scheherazade. Since the period of the Roman Empire, it has become an important center of cultural and political life in the Middle East. There was a famous Roman school of legal law, then Arab Muslim caliphs visited the city, after that, it was the capital of the eastern part of the Ottoman Empire. And always in the capital, there was a mixture of different cultures, religions, and nationalities.
Fashion And Entertainment Capital Of The Middle East
Beirut proudly bears the name of the fashion capital of the Middle East. Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab has long conquered the world’s fashion catwalks and is popular with stars such as Nicole Kidman, Christina Aguilera, Sharon Stone, and others. We were surprised that in an Arab country it is considered quite acceptable to wear miniskirts. This does not fit in with our understanding of the Middle East, which is why we want to learn more and more! The girls here are beautiful, and they like bright make-up, but, you know, it suits them. Somehow, all this coloring is in place here. Mini dresses, high heels, perfectly styled hair, bright makeup, and a mixture of Arabic and French in speech …
Entertainment in Lebanon is enough for a thousand and one night, that’s for sure. In the end, it’s not for nothing that “high” is an Arabic word! Yachting, diving, casino, skiing. In addition, the country is number one in trendy nightclubs, like “The one”. Still around Beirut are ancient cities with the heritage of the Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine cultures. They deserve no less attention. And of course, Lebanese cuisine is the most diverse and mega-tasty of all Arab countries! From this moment begins the next story, dedicated to gastronomic and eco-travel.
All photos of the author of the article Irina LUKYANETS
(We thank the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Subcommittee on Tourism and the Embassy of Ukraine in Lebanon for organizing the trip to Lebanon).
