Beirut, has definitely 'risen from the rubble'

Beirut, Lebanon. Now to some of you, that may sound familiar, but to most, it probably sounds like gibberish. And I do not blame you for that. Beirut is actually my hometown, in Lebanon. Named as the 'Paris of the Middle East' (and no matter how much I love Istanbul), there is seriously, no place like home.

After more than 30 years of civil war, invasion, occupation, and some more war, it is safe to say that Beirut is prospering again. Even stronger. Beirut is growing, and has definitely 'risen from the rubble”'(NY Times).

My small hometown of Beirut now has more than 100 high-class restaurants (including 'Sky Bar' which was named best 'Restaurant & Nightclub of 2009'), and the best shopping of the entire Middle East (sorry fellow Dubai-ns). Designers such as Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs have flown to the city and opened their own stores. It is additionally, the food capital of the Middle East. Due to the racial and cultural variety, Beirut is one of the few places in the Middle East where not only pork can be found, but imported meats, poultry and products can be found. The cuisines range from Italian, French to Mexican; however, the city is renowned traditional, yet delectable Lebanese cuisine.

Beirut is a city of multiple cultures and races, in itself a rarity in the Middle East. From the architecture (modern towers vs. Lebanese pre-war houses), to the restaurants ('L’entrecote vs. Tawlet'), Beirut will never cease to amaze you. And I say (actually, write) this with confidence as I (a pure blooded Lebanese) never stop 'exploring and discovering the city that suffered conflict in its worst nature'(CNN).  Beirut is a city that has modernized itself to a certain extent, which is why it is the face of the Middle East. Many might think that it is Dubai or ABY DHABI , but Dubai's history doesn’t go back 3000 years. Beirut has a history, but it also has a present. The temples and ruins vs. the towers, the symbols of modernization, allow the city to be appealing on all fronts. To me, Beirut is a city that comes 'alive', both during the beautiful sunny day, and at night.

Beirut is only an hour and a half flight from Istanbul, therefore making it equally as convenient than going to Bodrum or Gocek for the weekend. This summer, it was evident to me that tourism was booming in Beirut, because as I was walking in Downtown (equivalent of Nişantaşi in Istanbul), and all I could hear was Swedish, German, Turkish, and even American English. Tourists from all over the world are running to Beirut, whether it is for the nightlife, or to visit the Baalbeck Temples and the Ksara wineries or even to attend the incredible Baalbeck and Beiteddine Festivals.

Beirut, is my home. A city I am proud to call home. The hospitality that one receives upon his/her arrival in Lebanon is priceless. Allow you to be surprised, amused and impressed and visit the city that not only survived invasions, battles and wars but also that is back on the map, with a bigger imprint.

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