shutterstock.com/Jeremiah Castelo
By JACKI UENG
L
ebanon is a stunning little country unlike what most of the world would envision it to be like until actually setting foot in this land. Located on the Mediterranean coast, a perfect blend of the West and the Middle-East, Lebanon truly takes the best from both the old world and new. At just 4,036 square miles, Lebanon is the smallest recognized country on the Asian continent; but despite its size, the country has a robust cultural diversity, full of pride, rich in history, deep in religious roots, art, music, full of gastronomical flavors and, most of all, the people are full of life.
24
WINTER 2018
I had heard time and again from friends that have visited Lebanon nothing but wonderful experiences of how fun this country is, how delicious the food is, and how lovely the people are. I showed up to the country curious from a nightlife standpoint as well as a cultural and political standpoint. The Lebanese people I have met in America have seemed more liberal than those from neighboring countries and one after another are all successful entrepreneurs – defying the typical stereotype you tend to seem presented in the media. I had to travel there to uncover the mystery that makes this country so special.