Located on the foothills of Mount Barouk, my hometown “Kherbet Qanafar” is a spectacular town in West-Bekaa. Boasting splendid scenery and a whole host of activities, this destination is perfect for adventure seekers. I’ve previously worked with Lebanon Traveler magazine on this mini-guide, I’m re-sharing this updated version with more insights and places.
Continue reading “Qanafar’s mini guide”
Most Lebanese think that El-Mina is just the coastal part of Tripoli. In fact it’s not, it’s an independent city with its own municipality. Vast Orange Orchards used to geographically separate the two cities, but with the exponential increase in the number of residential units they now look like one city.
Continue reading “Relax you’re in El-Mina”
Qubbat Dûris was built in 1243 during the Ayyubid era. Its eight columns were probably borrowed from the ruins of the nearby Baalbeck Complex and were randomly assembled, one being upside-down. A dome used to exist atop these columns.
Continue reading “The neglected “Qubbat Dûris””
“Nice Photoshop skills”, “there are no deer in Lebanon”, “these photos are clearly photoshopped”… are some of the comments I receive whenever I post a photo of a deer on social media.
Continue reading “Deer in Lebanon? Really!?”
Beirut Port was mentioned for the first time in mutual letters between the Pharaohs and the Phoenicians around 1500 BC. During the Roman Era (64 BC–636 AD), the port was developed into a commercial and economic center. During the Umayyad Era (661–750), it hosted the First Arabic fleet. The port gained an important role in the maritime trade between East and West during the rule of the Crusaders (1099-1291). This role became even stronger during the Mameluke Era (1291–1515) when the port was turned into a commercial center for the whole region. The port as we know it was founded by the end of the 19th century and has always been a crucial part of Lebanese development and politics.
I went over thousands of old photos, postcards, paintings and lithographs of Lebanon and came out with this timeline (from 1838 till today).
Continue reading “Beirut Port over the years”
So glad to announce my 1000-piece puzzle collaboration with YaHabibiMarket, a super cool shop that started in the US few months ago and that sells goods for charity.
The star of this collaboration is ‘Ammo Jameel Ghanem (90 years old) who runs his local shop in Baabdat since 1982 and who became the icon of authentic Lebanese Dekkans after I shared his story back in 2018.
Vines have been growing in Lebanon for more than 4000 years. Our Phoenician ancestors were among the first to understand the mystery of wine and export it across the Mediterranean. The discovery of a 2,600-year-old wine press that was recently shared by National Geographic is another evidence of the extensive overseas trade in wine by the Phoenicians.
Today, we have more than 40 wineries across the country. I’ve put together a list of 10 Lebanese wineries that are on a 50 kilometers route and that can be all visited on the same day. Enjoy “The Lebanese Route des Vins” and drink responsibly.
Continue reading “The Lebanese “Route des Vins””
North-Bekaa is one of the most captivating historical areas in Lebanon, it’s home for the popular temples of Baalbeck as well as much less known attractions and hidden gems. Here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit.
Continue reading “Top 10 things to do in North-Bekaa”
Azure Beach Resort, launched 2 years ago at the cosmopolitan Dubai, is a high-end social paradise offering its residents and visitors an exclusive and fun poolside lifestyle.
Today, the luxury resort has officially launched in Lebanon opening its doors to guests. Located in Zouk Mosbeh, on the coastline between Beirut and Jounieh, Azure Beach Resort is a chic destination boasting 14,000 m² of waterfront land with both beach and pool access.
Continue reading “A new resort opens in Lebanon against all odds”
Standing alone for 1900 years, no one is sure why this Corinthian column exists. Some say it was built by St. Helena of Constantinople (mother of Emperor Constantine the Great) while others say it marks the site of a great ancient battle.
Continue reading “The lonely column of Iaat”
