Random hits on the keyboard

  It was not a long drive as the highway is a proper highway. The drive along the seaside makes the trip refreshing all the time. The highway is also a 'catwalk' of the best cars in the world. We took a break for lunch on the way, near Batroun town. A nice local restaurant just next to the sea, and it has the best seafoods.  Tripoli is another historic city as are many of the cities across the country. Tripoli is more lively and seems dense population and poor neighbourhoods compared to Beirut. The city has to offer the sight of innumerable heritage and historic monuments.  The city is full of old Mercedes Benz. The city has life. The city is without artificial makeover. It is what it is. There are no coverups. The city also had been to a painful conflict recently in 2014. - the marks of the war are visible across the town. The city has its own issues but the city is overall beautiful, next to the sea, full of local cuisine and Baklaawa and many more. I stayed in a histor...

Exploring the essence of great food is indeed a subjective and personal journey. And the mystery behind a great food can be reasoned with a long list. I can confidently say that Lebanese food is exotic and piquant in its taste. In the last few days, it is proven to be true. Lebanese cuisine carries a distinct taste which often leaves an indelible mark on those who indulge in its flavours. Today, I took another opportunity to visit a new Lebanese restaurant for the Friday lunch, wishing to taste something new. I am not a food taster nor a food critic influencer, but I believe food is a gateway to understanding culture, society, and history.  I am too bad at elaborating on the taste, but the more I travel around, I gradually start to realise food is not only food. It tells a lot about the place. The warm welcome from the Lebanese-looking staff, with their beautiful eyes and welcoming smiles, adds a touch of hospitality that enhances the overall experience. As the food started to be s...

It goes without saying that Lebanese food is one of the best and tells a lot about the culture, history, economy, and youth. Now I have a challenge, where to start. I have been testing the amazing food. Shawarma, falafel and many more, the names I can't remember. There is a variety for morning, evening and dessert. I am enjoying it. They taste amazing. Geographically, this is the only country in the Arab Region without a desert and the only country to have enough natural water to sustain its population. Historically, this land is a part of the 'fertile Crescent'. This probably explains the history of grains, food, civilization and the empire in the region. In the evening, I took a walk around the malls. And the Zen Xs are enjoying the fast food. Mcdonald and KFCs are everywhere. Not necessarily bad, but I don't love burgers.  

Firstly, Beirut is not Paris of the Middle East. The remnants of the colonization have to go away. And I shall start by not comparing any beautiful place with the beauty of Europe. Beirut has its own richness - the history, culture and food, not to forget the people's resilience. Someone posted on Twitter the reverse perspective. :) The ancient history and the modernisation make this city unique. I lack the words to precisely explain but it is unique to see the two separate worlds coexisted seamlessly. There are many other dichotomies - together, that are on the two extreme ends of the spectrum but are together apparently with little or no strain.  I am here after six years. The weather, the sea and the people.. all are the same despite many things have changed, economically and politically and of course, relations with its neighbours. More stories to follow in the coming days.