After ten years, my sister and I finally headed out on our next adventure - Lebanon. I packed pretty light for two weeks, went without wifi, explored a city/country I never thought I'd travel to.
I have to apologize for the lack of updating on my social channels when halfway around the world, but whenever I tried pulling out a camera - we were asked to put it away. I did manage to take some great snapchats (find me: thestyleboro), teach my sister the art of #ootds, and have her take a few great photos on my phone.
Our great hosts took us to Beït Ed Dîne in Mont-Liban to check out a palace built in 1788. AKA the perfect chance for my sister and I to have an impromptu photo shoot without looking scandalous.
For our trip, I did some research on the climate and the nightclub scene (it is the party capital of the Middle East after all). After checking our itinerary, I packed printed cotton dresses, a few slacks, breathable tops along, sneakers for our walking tours and my favorite go-with-anything Swedish Hasbeens.
In case you were wondering, my sister tends to overpack so I just wore her things for our boozy nights out and went shopping in her suitcase for a dress to wear to the wedding.
What I wasn't prepared for was the humidity that lingered after a sandstorm. Holy cow - I've never sweated so much within moments of stepping outside.
Where We Went:
Beit Al Ezz - we got lost, gave up, and drank mocktails here
Leila - amazing Lebanese food
Beirut Souks - shopping center
Balthazar - amazing desserts
Seven Sisters - Outdoor nightclub for those who can hang
Music Hall - Live music and a definite must-do experience
Pigeon Rocks @ Raouche - You can spot these from your plane when arriving
Hamra Street - for the downtown experience
Abu Elie - a communist themed bar where we found a few expats
Zaitouna Bay - there were a few rooftop bars in this area that were awesome
Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque - right next to our hotel and where most protests were being held
The Jeita Grotto - not sure if this is a wonder of the world but it should be
Sunglasses: The Row Dress: J. Crew Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens Necklace: Atelier Yumi (similar here) Purse: French Connection (similar style) Lipgloss: Megan via Buxom
There were so many places my sis and I wanted to scope out, but there wasn't enough time or we were dealt a bad hangover.
A few key takeaways from my experience: the people are incredibly nice, the food is delicious, the traffic is insane, Lebanese ladies are gorgeous, I can't hang when it comes to their nightlife, there is SO MUCH HISTORY everywhere you look. And if you're curious - I felt completely safe walking around with my sister and without.
Lebanon, we will be back!
Photos by Tanya Olmedo.
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