From Lebanon to RU: What it was like to grow up in the Middle East

I was born in a small town called Jbeil, in a small country called Lebanon. For those who may not know, Lebanon is in the Middle East. Like all Middle Eastern countries, Lebanon has its problems – poverty, a corrupt government, sectarianism, the list goes on. But, it also has a beautiful nightlife, undying culture, and an amazing sense of nationalism. To adequately understand the true Lebanese culture, you have to understand that it is undoubtedly multifaceted.

It is what it looks like

This is what my hometown looks like, or at least a part of it. This little strip of Lebanon is always heavily populated with tourists and residents – whether it is from half the town deciding to go on a run or a leisurely walk to take in the breathtaking scenery, or even to go fishing or dining – this town is always lively. Beyond this strip extends what we locals call a ‘souk’. It is not exactly a strip mall, but it closely resembles one.

The Souk

First, you must ask, ‘what is a Souk?’ A ‘Souk’, for us Lebanese, is most comparable to the American strip mall, but it definitely has some differences. Its floors and walls are constructed from the ruins of structures that existed hundreds of years ago, and have been converted into little stores that provide comfort food and old-fashioned clothing. It’s similar to American strip malls in that it has different clothing stores throughout it, however, they aren’t stores like ZARA, BeBe, Guess, Express, H&M, etc. It’s mainly comprised of imported products from different countries and souvenirs such as cedar woods. There are also multiple stores where you can buy belly dancing attire, and traditional Lebanese clothing – that to be honest, no one really wears anymore. The store owners display their products outside of their store and wait to greet you with the warmest smile. The great thing about Jbeil and about the Souk is that you will always bump into someone you know. Everyone is like family there and are always treated as such.

Nightlife 

In the day, it is your typical family outing, but when the sun goes down, Jbeil becomes centered around its nightlife. As the stores close, the Pub owners bring out the tables and bars to host endless nights of fun. Whether you’re having a cocktail after work with friends or just looking to blow off a little steam, the Souk is by far the best place to go to. What’s great about it all is that although Lebanon is generally becoming more westernized, it still manages to maintain the purity of the rich Lebanese culture. For example, the typical Lebanese songs are now played with an R&B twist – which just goes to show how much pride there is in our culture, and this combination makes me feel like it is okay to have two homes, both in New Jersey and in Lebanon.

Take a walk on the calm side

If the nightlife isn’t for you or if you want a relaxing evening, then guess what!? The Souk is still the spot for you! Past the bars, there are elegant restaurants in the center of the Souk that are set up just like a food court. A delicious meal can be enjoyed there and then after – to burn off the amazingly satisfying hummus and chicken – there is a pleasant walk by the ‘mina’, a strip built of rocks where boats can dock. Although not a long walk, it is the perfect place to talk to friends, or maybe even for a first date. The privacy of this spot matched with the misty breeze of the ocean is a perfect way to end a long day and start a new relationship. And no matter who colonizes us, if we integrate French and English in our language, or if we soon start to dress differently, we will still come together and celebrate our heritage through the beauty that the Souk displays. It is a friendly and homey area for residents and tourists alike. Upon visiting Lebanon, I never see a sad face walking through the Souk – no matter where you’re from, no one fails to have an amazing time here.

Its all about who you travel with

Like everywhere else, you need the right people to have an adventure with. And two summers ago, I had the pleasure of discovering this as I adventured out into other parts of Lebanon. As fun as it was adventuring, I nearly died trying to take pictures of my friends through this waterfall, I’d say it was pretty worth it though. Aside from taking in the beauty of Lebanon’s amazing waterfalls, I also got to jump off of a cliff into freezing water – which was truly one of the most amazing experiences. What’s great about adventuring through Lebanon is that there are no laws prohibiting us from doing stupid things, it is the definition of free. We brought Svedka and beers, and a bunch of sandwiches out with us on this little adventure, and after we had finished jumping, sliding, and climbing our way through Lebanon we just hung out and drank right in the middle of it all.

Turning up

Now, I love nature and all, but I love partying ten times more – I guess it’s a college thing. Taxi’s in Lebanon are dirt cheap, so I never have to worry about being the DD – and like I said before, the Lebanese nightlife is on a whole new level. Obviously, its fun to go bars instead of frat houses – there are no gross bathrooms, no wet floors, and no people sloppily making out in the middle of the dance floor. Lebanon has class when it comes to partying. The dance floor is for dancing, and everyone knows their limits when it comes to drinking, which is great because I don’t have to worry about having to carry my friends back home after they blackout from drinking too much jungle juice. The best party place in town is called Publicity, which is a collection of twelve bars that open around one ginormous pool. And an even better part about going out to Publicity is that some of my newly made friends just so happen to be bartenders there, and you know what that means – free shots every hour! One of my favorite things is also that you can dance as much as you want and everyone around you, whether you know them or not, will cheer you on. There’s always a great vibe all around Jbeil, no matter where you decide to adventure out to.