Hiking
One of the greatest reasons I enjoyed my previous job was the opportunity to experience different cities, regions and parts of the country. I absorb all of the energy in the atmosphere, whatever it is, for better or for worse. … Read more >
The First 100 Years are Hard
“The First 100 Years are Hard.” That is a Lebanese saying that I learned shortly after my arrival to Lebanon. It means that things get easier after the first 100 years. Too bad no one ever lives long enough to… Read more >
Fadia
I first saw her on a Sunday morning. She was a new face and it was her face, framed by her bright blue hijab, that first caught my attention. I thought she was beautiful and it was also the first… Read more >
Overheard in Lebanon
Lebanese have a way of being overly honest and frank, especially when it comes to their opinions on your hair, makeup, health and weight loss or gain or the potential of either of these things based on what they think… Read more >
Welcome to the Nabaa
Welcome to the Nabaa. The Nabaa is the poorest neighborhood here in the already working class district of Borj Hammoud. Trash blows down the cluttered alley filled with a crisscross of power lines. Clothes are hanging from the windows of… Read more >
Death Pays a Visit
For all the tragedy and consequences of war and all the poverty around us, the story seems to always be pulled back from the brink and the miraculous prevails. So, when tragedy struck the other week, it was felt deeply… Read more >
Unending Suffering
Rasul (name changed to protect privacy) is one of the kindest, gentle hearted and most hospitable people that I have ever met. He is a Syrian refugee from Aleppo who is also a single father. He had his knees broken… Read more >
A Melting Pot of the Nations
I have a lot of new posts that I am working on and not really happy with any of them right now. So I decided to share something else instead. I have been doing research on data of our neighborhood… Read more >
ISIS Visits Beirut
I spent yesterday afternoon in my old neighborhood where I lived last fall, only to hear this morning that there was a thwarted ISIS terrorist attack just yesterday evening. It happened at a café just a block from where I… Read more >
No Worries
Just so no one worries – I have had some fine hot meals this week. I got my hands on a grilled chicken and it kept me happy for a few days. Also, a wonderful lady brought me a plate… Read more >