Blog
6 Ways Beirut Changes A Foreigner’s Perspective Forever
Besides the obvious and inarguable realization that Lebanon is totally different than any other country in the Middle East (maybe even in the world), so many foreigners leave Lebanon with a changed perspective. And some never leave because they love it so much. Having grown up in the United States, here are only some of the many things Beirut changed in me.
Photo from Beirut.com archive
Prioritizing Leisure. Lebanon’s #1 priority is leisure. Whether it’s the pressure from the immaculately blow dried brunching women, or the well-built, successful men, you realise that actually, you want to take some time for yourself. You’ll enjoy the company of the incredible people around you, and notice that your work-life balance is pretty good, and there isn’t anything as important as that Friday night beer.
Everyone has a different background and political correctness cannot be applied at your will. Beirut has so many different mixtures of sub-cultures, and you quickly become more aware that not everyone thinks the same. You realize that it is okay that the elderly women in the village have different expectations of women, and being a sett beit is very, very important to them. You try to retaliate at first, before realising they’re older than Lebanon itself and smile, nod and agree instead.
Appreciating water and electricity. Beirut makes you appreciate the basics like having access to water and electricity 24/7, while allowing you to channel your inner caveman and live without them.
P.A.R.T.Y.H.A.R.D. Lebanon is notorious for its outlandish night life, and for good reason. Unless you’ve had a couple of drinks at the pub, danced the night away at one of the clubs, then the after party for the international DJs, and proceeded to have breakfast while the sun comes up, have you really visited Lebanon? You go back home with incredible moments embroidered in your memory, while planning your next trip to the city.
Private space. Lebanese people are very affectionate with their 1, 2, 3 cheek kisses and hugs. Little private space is a norm throughout Lebanon that many other countries can’t relate to. Tante Roula can pass by at almost anytime for that fenjen ahwe, and your neighbour tante Amal is always peeking from her window to see exactly what time you came home last night, and with who. It might be annoying at first, but soon you get used to always having somebody pop by to check on you, bringing you a little bit of sunshine to your day.
Breaking down limitations. From that one laid back Lebanese uncle that will get you to dinner in the North and back to the South in time for a party, to the groups of people working towards banning a law that hasn’t been enforced in decades. You learn that there’s always a way to make things happen.
But more than anything, so many foreigners know that Beirut thrills them, and that it’s one of the best cities on earth, but they just can’t put their finger on why. It seems to be because there is just so much going on in Beirut, that the foreigner now truly understands the meaning and feeling of FOMO.