Lebanon Tourism, culture, music and events

The hidden riches of Souk al-Ahad   Date: Saturday, December 17, 2016 By: Victoria Yan  Source:  The Daily Star BEIRUT: “[One] shouldn’t regret anything, even if their childhood was very very poor and miserable, and harsh,” Abu Walid advised. “You shouldn’t bemoan it, you know, because this is called an experience.” Abu Walid is among a myriad of vendors who carves out a meager living at Tripoli’s Souk al-Ahad (Sunday Market). His is among the assortment of voices that aspiring filmmaker Yahya Mourad has compiled for his forthcoming documentary project “Sunday Market: Tripoli.” For the past 11 months, the 25-year-old Tripoli native has been working to embed himself within the fabric of this market space, which he learned is as much a treasure trove of culture as commerce. “I was very curious about the market because I used to go every Sunday to look for filmmaking things – like a Super 8 millimeter [film camera],” Mourad recalled. “You can’t find any of these thing...

Vogue Paris : Lebanon Among 5 Unusual Ski Destinations   Date: Wednesday, December 07, 2016 By: Escapes  Source:  Beiruting.com In Antarctica Carpeted with powdery snow and studded with glacial peaks, Antarctica has all the ski space must-haves to rival the world's best resorts. With the season upon us, the polar island is organizing more and more expeditions by the day, where you can show off your skills in a veritable winter Wonderland. Where to stay: Whichaway Camp Antarctica's very first (and unique) luxury camp is situated in the heart of Queen Maud Land. Offering stays of one week at a time, visitors flock to explore the land of ice through seasonal activities, from skiing and paraskiing to ice treks and penguin-filled polar safaris. When the day is done, hit the hay in one of six domes designed by  Ryan Ashworth , equipped with all the comforts you could ask for - soft couches and beds, crackling fireplaces and fully-stocked bookshelves. . I...

A street in Lebanon is one of the most expensive streets in the world Date: Monday, November 28, 2016 By: World News Source: Beirut.com The 2016 - 2017 survey of the world's most expensive retail rental locations by property consultants Cushman & Wakefield ranked Hamra as the 2nd most expensive streetin the Arab region and 44 th  most expensive worldwide. Last year, Hamra was ranked as the 48 th most expensive rental location and now renting in Hamra costs on average 93$/sq FT. Prime street in Qatar follows Lebanon in the ranking as the 45 th  where it costs on average 92$/sq FT per year. City Centre in Jordan is ranked as the 50 th  where it cost on average 65$/sq FT per year. Naturally, the first in the world was named to be Upper 5th Avenue (49th - 60th Sts) in New York - USA where it costs on average 3000$/sq FT per year followed by Hon Kong...

Remnants of a great past: Lebanese hotel that has remained open since 1874 stands emptied as nearby civil war rages Date: Wednesday, January 06, 2016 By: GIANLUCA MEZZOFIORE Source: Daily Mail Hotel Palmyra in the Roman city of Baalbek hosted international figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Charles de Gaulle  It became top destination for tourists and academics looking to visit Roman ruins  Now stands emptied due to growing security concerns in the Bekaa valley, close to the Syrian border  'No one has a right to touch Hotel Palmyra, except for time' defiant owner says With its windows facing the ancient Roman temple ruins of Heliopolis, the Palmyra hotel in Lebanon's Baalbek attracted renowned international figures since it opened in 1874.  Jazz singers Ella...

Starting the  1st of December  and until the  4th of December , Le Bristol Hotel will take you to a magical world! More than 50 exhibitors, manufacturers and designers will be at the rendez-vous in the sumptuous premises of the Bristol to offer you a wide collection of gifts, table set-up ideas, refined arts, gastronomy and much more! The Bristol Christmas Market is the Ultimate destination for all the visitors to choose their gifts for Christmas! Come with your kids and explore our Christmas fair in a dreamlike atmosphere! We have dedicated a whole area for your little ones to live the magic of the season while enjoying our daily special animation program (workshop, music, magic…) Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all! Verdun, Madame Curie Street Beirut, Lebanon

BRYAN ADAMS Saturday March 11 th  2017 20:30 at BIEL Hall BA Down Town, Beirut, Lebanon, Lebanon   961 1 995555

One Lebanon Friday November 25 th  2016 20:30 at BIEL Hall TK Down Town, Beirut, Lebanon, Lebanon   961 1 995555

Michel Aoun wins Lebanon presidency, ending 2-1/2-year vacuum   Date: Monday, October 31, 2016 By: Fatema Basim  Source:  The Daily Star BEIRUT: Michel Aoun has been sworn in as Lebanon's 13th president after gaining a simple majority in the second round of voting in Monday’s highly-anticipated presidential election in Parliament, putting an end to the country’s 2-1/2-year vacuum. “In my name and the name of the Parliament, we present to you the sincerest congratulations in the election of a president for the country during these hard times,” Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said after tallying the votes. Moments after Berri’s announcement, Aoun took the constitutional oath, promising to prioritize political stability to the country. “I came at a hard time, and there is a lot of hope that I will overcome difficulties. ... The Lebanese need their state to protect their rights and obligations and for there to be a president who guarantees safety,” Aoun said. He als...

Oriental drumming & rythms

The flight from Beirut international airport to Dubai international airport (terminal 2) took us around 4 hours with Flydubai airways. We arrived around 5PM Dubai time (+1 Lebanon time). We caught the Dubai taxi which are the best taxis in Dubai.  Note that all airport taxis' counter start at 25 U.A.D. The ride to our hotel, the Hawthorn Suites hotel, was smooth and interesting; it took us around 35min on a Thursday afternoon. The hotel receptionist was so welcoming and nice, we checked in and headed toward our room on the first floor. We had booked a suite, the room was nice but didn't have a nice view since our balcony overlooked the restaurant terrace. Staying in a room on the first floor has some advantages when you're staying in a hotel of 30 floors, quick access to your room. However, the only disadvantage was the noise coming from the restaurant terrace and from the staff early in the morning. The hotel pool is small, I expected it to be a lot bigger since ...

Lebanese Bar Listed Among The Top 50 Best Bars In The World   Date: Monday, October 10, 2016 By: Nouchka Boustany  Source:  Beirut.com Lebanon has always been the cocktail and nightlife capital of the region, and last week, the country received worldwide recognition for one of its top bars, Central Station , which landed the 26th spot on the list of the  World’s 50 Best Bars 2016 , representing the Middle East and Africa as the best bar in the region!  Drinks International  magazine's prestigious list of the top bars was announced on October 6th in London, recognizing drink excellence around the world. The awards were given by numerous experts including renowned mixologists and cocktail historians. The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog of New York City earned the top spot, followed by the American Bar in London in close second.  Central Station, which is located in Mar Mikhael, has some of the finest and most creative drinks that ...