Lauren Mowery, a Forbes contributor, recently traveled to Lebanon. Regardless of how Lebanon is represented in the media, this journalist did whatever it takes to discover the gem of the Middle East. She wrote two articles about Lebanon: the first part was published yesterday, while the second one will be out soon. A food, drink, and travel enthusiast, she discovered Lebanon through the lenses of Lebanese cuisine, culture, and history. While media usually portrays the chaos in Lebanon, Mowery had only to get on a plane to uncover the wonders of this misrepresented country. She believes that Lebanon deserves recognition as one of the world’s greatest food and wine destinations! In this article, Mowery explores Lebanon’s history and modern life.
History
A 5,000-year-old country, Lebanon has a rich food and drink culture. After all, the Levant is where human beings first learned how to farm. However, when speaking of Lebanon’s history, people usually refer to the 20th century; Lebanon’s modern history. The French mandate greatly impacted Lebanon’s architecture and social life. The country was known as the Paris of the Middle East before the Lebanese civil war broke out in the 1970s and ended in 1990. According to the author, such details are crucial for visitors to understand Lebanon on a deeper level.
Modern life
The Souks reminded her of metropolises in the developed world. What’s also great about this part of this city is that it combines a contemporary mall with Roman ruins, churches, and mosques. Lebanon is definitely a melting pot!
Sun setting, moon rising over #Beirut. Roman ruins in the foreground. #Lebanon #Wine pic.twitter.com/i2HROjRz5l
— Lauren Mowery (@chasingthevine) October 30, 2017
A few miles away are Gemmayzeh and Rue Gouraud where the sidewalks are dotted with all kinds of pubs and cafes which add a vibrant touch to the everyday lives of Lebanese people. These streets also hide galleries and bookstores for those who are fond of art! What was surprising for her, not for us for sure, is to what extent Lebanese people are friendly! She realized that after having a night out in Gemmayzeh!
“A key metric of any city is the friendliness of strangers, and I met more on the streets of Beirut in a few hours than I have in New York City in a year.”
She also visited the mountains where she tasted Lebanese wines and had the opportunity to see the beauty of the Lebanese nature.
After a week of Lebanese #wine, dinners & seminars, a little quiet relaxation in the mountains. #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/0x7V3QlFse
— Lauren Mowery (@chasingthevine) November 1, 2017
The second part of the article which is titled “Contemporary Food and Wine Scene” will be published soon. We will keep you updated.
