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.
Monologue .......