So there has been quite the press attention for Lebanon
lately. "Clashes in Beirut" and "Lebanese pilgrims kidnapped in
Syria", etc. So really, to the world, it looks like a disaster and it
seems as if the fighting that is going on is right outside my doorstep. The
world media has a way of twisting the story, as they do with many other
subjects and places. Yes, there was protesting in Beirut over the last few days
because of things (in)directly related to Syria, but the thing the world
doesn't understand is that the fighting isn't happening everywhere. I am not sure
if that is comforting to know or not, but that is how it is. Not everywhere is
violent with deadly intentions. Daily life goes on just as it does at home
or in Europe. We go to work and we go home and people are still seen walking
around outside, the traffic just becomes a lot lighter the day after.
This is a beautiful country with wonderful people and a
wonderful culture. People are quick to judge this region when they haven't
experienced what it has to offer. I have only been here a little over two
weeks, but this is an extraordinary place. I went to the Cedars of Lebanon and
it was breathtaking. The drive was two hours through mountains speckled with green and orange
tiled roofs and deep gorges and valleys that steeped so low you could hardly
see the bottom. The Cedars themselves are so majestic and peaceful.
I haven't seen anything like it in my life.
The other really big adventure I've taken since I've been here has been to Harissa, the Virgin Lady of Lebanon. On top of a hill overlooking the entirety of Beirut, you can't help but appreciate what this small country has to offer. You have beautiful huge trees that lead to the city and then beyond is the sea. Gorgeous blues and greens as you gaze below you, taking in this amazingly unique city.
Beirut has everything to offer. They get all types of
American brands, like Heinz and Cheetos and McD's, and they have all kinds of
shopping with H&M, Mango, Promod, and they have absolutely delicious local foods
that I am still learning how to pronounce; good thing I have family tour guides! Lebanon, and
Beirut more specifically, is a misunderstood place that deserves more respect
for its way of life. Not everyone here is looking for a fight, although the
honking in traffic might suggest otherwise. Yet, this is all part of the charm
of Beirut. It is a culture that has a lot to offer and teach the world, I just
wished more people wanted to know it better.
I was just in Bulgaria and I learned a lot about living
there and what they consider important and how their culture operates. They are
still getting over their post-communism ways after decades of being caught in a
puppet act, and people are very serious and outwardly reserved. They like
to drink a lot and love to people watch in the middle of the day at cafes. The
food everywhere is mainly the same options and after a while you just rely on
ham and cheese toast to get you through life (well that is what I did at the
end of the semester, partially because I knew I wouldn't be getting it again,
even though it's a panini-ed ham and cheese. Nostalgia was kicking in, alright?!). Lebanon is completely different
and I am still getting used to the generosity and friendliness of everyone
here, and I am learning that they love family and huge get togethers and being
loud and having fun. It's inherent here, which is something I am coming to love more
and more each day. The food is delectable and healthy and there are so many
certain Lebanese dishes that I have tried and still need to try.
Life is about experiencing the world God gave us and
taking what you learn and using that in your life. Learning certain things more
fully from different people and different cultures and becoming a meld of all
that you have been through. I guarantee that you will come away changed
forever. How could you not? The best advice I could give from all that I have seen
and experienced is to be open. Don't close yourself to a custom because you
haven't done it before. Be open to new perspectives in the people you meet
because chances are you will come across something extraordinary. Always try
something at least once, that way if you don't like it, you know you don't like it instead of just
snubbing your nose at it. Plus, the people you are with will appreciate your
enthusiasm and desire to get to know their culture.
It's hard to step outside the box that you have gotten
yourself into, but do it. Take the risk. No souvenir could possibly impact you
more than getting out and doing it yourself. The memories you'll gain and the
friendships made will make your life that much richer and more meaningful. I
watched the movie the Way, about a father who walks the Camino de Santiago in Spain after his son died starting it. In a scene where the father is taking his son
to the airport, he says, "It may not seem like much but this is the life
I've chosen," and his son replies, "You don't choose a life. You live
one." Go, live life, and
appreciate whatever comes your way, good or bad, because in the end, it makes
you who you are.
