Here and there

This was taken in Captain's Cabin in Hamra, a true style pub, old, one pool table, manual dartboard, names and expressions written on one of its walls, just plain real.

I took this photo of the flower lady in Hamra, if you've been there, then am sure you've seen her around, this was taken in Masrah Al Madina, just before the play "Vitrine" by Nehme Nehme started.

Photos taken with my phone, not a great quality, but I wanted to share those two moments here.

Beirut #1 no surprise, I retract what I said before

I once expressed surprise that Beirut was considered #1 place to visit among another 44 of which many for me are amazing places in NYtimes (check here). So today, I would like to retract what I said and definitely cheer and support this vote, because last time I spoke about downtown Beirut, which even if some restaurants closed since Hariri's assassination, opposition sit-in, all the demonstrations taking place there etc, I totally forgot (silly me) that Beirut consists of other amazing regions as well, such as Hamra, Ashrafieh, Rawsheh, Gemmayze, etc...

Hamra is really an amazing place, I can't believe I didn't see this before this recent month. My blogging colleague compared Hamra to Newyork, and had almost the same impression I had about Hamra. When it comes to me, Hamra reminds me of Paris a lot. I loved Paris because it had everything, and crazily enough I had missed seeing that Hamra had everything as well, for 28 years. Pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops and most importantly hotels all inside buildings in which people live, and other buildings where people work, such as centers, banks. Moreover the roads, the streets, the architecture of having old buildings, open and crowded all the time. It's there.

What about Gemmayze? Pubs street par excellence. I will talk thoroughly about the other regions when I'm not too sleepy, and hopefully have pictures to show you.

So yes, I really think Beirut has it all. I am really hoping that the elections go by with no problems, because if they do, I think we will have the best summer in decades.

Edited: I would like to add a link to Hamra's map that I found on Hannibaal's blog. Enjoy.

Beirut top 1 recommended place among 44

I know many people have probably already seen this or linked to this, but I have to do it as well.

Beirut is the top 1 recommended place to visit by reader and by the NY times. If you filter by Luxury, foodie and party, you get Beirut in the list as well.

Personally? I was shocked. 50% to 60% of the restaurants in Beirut are... closed. I don't get it. The city has been a weird place since Hariri was assassinated, demonstrations, camping in the city, closing it down... Restaurants and shops closing, people losing their jobs!

I don't get it! It doesn't make sense! It doesn't add up!

But still, AHLA W SAHLA! Everyone's welcome to come! Seriously! Don't listen to me! Improve our economy! Come do tourism here!