For my non middle eastern readers explaining Lebanon could get very complex. Known as a country from heavy politics, religion and boiling pot of different cultures, Lebanon is fairly unique.
One thing that most Lebanese people normally find in common while visiting the homeland of the cedar trees, is that although is it a beautiful country full of potential and hidden gems, vacationing and living there are different reality.
As outsiders we get excited to go back to our homeland, to our true roots of culture and beliefs. Adventure with family? Love, friends? Moments? – Ah. My home country…Where do I begin? Could you or I settle there? Let’s find out.
“Take care of yourself, do not have to much fun now” said the visa control gentleman with the loveliest smile as he was stamping my passport to enter the country. What can I say, they are real charmers ladies.
But seeing a familiar face in the crowd to welcome my arrival put all my anxiousness and tiredness away. “12 years. My god. You’ve Grown.” with the warmest hug to follow by my uncle. Who’s awesomeness never ceased to grow over the years.
The car ride to my grandparents home was a roller coaster of emotions, thoughts, and talks of fun plans. What would it be without vibing on the beach watching the sunrise/sunset, eating away your diet, walking around in a old or new cities, dealing with traffic and unwanted vacation issues, meeting new people, reuniting with family, old friends and flames. From a visit perspective this sounded like a perfect vacation.
My first night was a night to remember. Greeted with a surprise dinner/party from my lovely grandparents and family, staying awake till the sun up catching up with a beautiful view of the hills and soothing breeze. How can I complain?
After spending a few days in the village hills, lounging by the pool, it was time to drive to the city to start my adventure. My grandparents disliking the city meant that I had the whole apartment to myself.
Driving back was a hassle. Just like every city, car traffic was inevitable. It was two hours of car time I did not enjoy. After all, 18 days is all I had there and making the most of it was an absolute priority which little did I know that it was all it took to make me realize how much we take our life for granted.
Day 3 – As I stepped out of the car, worrying about what I am going to change to for a party I had to attend, a girl sitting on the side of the parking lot caught my eye. Tanned, long, black hair, striking black eyes, eating a small sandwich which I can tell was her only meal of the day. My brain wondered what she was thinking about, as locking eyes was unavoidable. I felt her stares, which was an uncomfortable moment but I smiled, gave a subtle node and kept walking making my way to the building entrance.
I shook that weird feeling off and for the next few hours, I spent it getting ready. My bed littered with clothes options, doing my hair, make up, music and singing at its highest, totally off key and with the neighbors hating me already. Finally done – waiting for my friend to pick me up was as if time was purposely slowly down. She had flown in from Gabon, Africa to spend her vacation and we couldn’t contain our excitement. Heading to Broumana to dine at Sofita, and back to the city for some girls night life dancing, resulted in me coming home at 3:40am in the morning.
Not being able to sleep from all the adrenaline the night had brought in. I thought some fresh breeze on the balcony would help. Made some tea, changed and waited for the Aden of the Sunrise Prayers (4:24am) to begin. As I approached the rail to enjoy the view, there she was again, sitting on a bench, lacking sleep, and hungry. At that moment my brain forgetting all my plans, she became a story of thoughts and wonder. “Who was she? Why was she sitting here so late? What is frightening her? What is her story?” I was determined to find out.
TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT, COME BACK FOR CHAPTER 2 – THURSDAY 6/25/2020
enroute a detroit 