Part of working on a current project about Lebanon, I was caused to rediscover my home country. So during a period of 4 weeks, I travelled the small country from North to South and East to West and I managed to fall passionately in love with it all over again.
Passion lives in Lebanon, it lives in its people, in its rich history, in its food, its music, its villages, its cities and even in its politics.
I call Lebanon an enigma because it absolutely makes no sense. Why would you love a country that is always on the verge of war, where the politicians are mostly corrupt, where electricity is still a part time luxury, where the citizens litter on a daily basis, where people think me first, me last, me, me, me…
I love it because there is something else there that is much deeper than all of the shortcomings that plague Lebanon.
Lebanon is breathtaking landscape. Lebanon is passionate people. Lebanon is deep religious beliefs. Lebanon is unparalleled generosity and hospitality. Lebanon is strong family values despite the recent breakdowns in family structure. Lebanon is so special that I know no one who visited it and did not fall in love with it and dream of going back.
I was sometimes standing in random places, on a shop counter, a fishing boat, a street at night, with an old man selling gardenias, with a child in an alley; and I felt this strong sense of bliss and was surprised to feel a very wide smile on my face that spread happiness down to my very core. And then to look over to the person in front of me each time and see that same smile on their face right there, for no special reason, just the peace that comes with existing, with living, with feeling passion.
I will be dedicating my blog to Lebanon for the next few weeks. It deserves no less.
8 replies on “The beautiful enigma that is Lebanon”
All countries have their issues (some more than others) So it is nice that you can still view your homeland in such a special way. I know if I had to flee or leave the USA for another country, I would miss it’s wonderful history and beautiful landscape and people. Even with all of OUR issues in the U.S. I feel very honored to be here. Congrats on this post.
It is so true what you say Kellie. Thank you for your comment!
Beautiful pictures, Mimo. I really enjoy reading your blog. All the best from Germany
Thank you Babette!
Great post about Lebanon! Your writing unknowingly injects passion. And I like that photo 🙂
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment! I really appreciate this
The man with the gardenias was adorable, wasn’t he? And you’re right. You’ve managed to put into words what I haven’t been able to whenever people get a crazy look on their faces when I tell them that I plan to move there. Beautiful! You and Lebanon!
Mimo I love this you capture it all so well with your words. I am definitely one of the people who fell head over heels in love with Lebanon and can’t wait to go back. Passion lives there for sure x.