BEIRUT
October 09
Amazing long weekend in "Paris of the Middle East".
The Albergo Hotel, a “Magnificent Residence”, located in the heart of old Beirut in the district of Achrafieh.
The breakfasts consist of thyme croissants, local cheeses and thick, granular Arabic coffee.
The rug-covered and jasmine-scented roof terrace has 360 views over the city. It is popular with Lebanese society for pre-dinner cocktails.
ACHRAFIEH District and buildings pockmarked with bullet holes from the Lebanese Civil War .
More of 15 year long, brutal civil war remaining's.
Delicious Falafel!
Walking around ACHRAFIEH District.
SAIFI VILLAGE - this neighborhood was completely destroyed during the war in Lebanon.
However, Solidere has rebuilt the neighborhood and restored its historic, French-colonial buildings and winding cobble stoned streets.
Also known as Le Quartier des Arts due to its numerous art galleries, antique store, artisan shops, and specialty boutiques.
World famous furniture shop BOKJA - www.bokjadesign.com
Ceramic Lounge - a café where you can create your plates, bowls or ..shopping bad like i did!
Every Saturday morning, farmers sell their fresh organic produce and other products...
...at Souk el Tayeb in a little square in the village.
GEMMAYZEH - suffered less damage during the civil war thus it has the authentic feel, with streets filled with lovely old buildings,
boutiques and plenty of artists in residence.
Lunch at famous LE CHEF Restaurant is a MUST! Arabic food with menu that changes daily is one reason and...
...Charbel (the son of one of the co-owners and the head waiter in addition to being all around entertainer ...
...with his (trademarked) "Welcoooooooooooome") is the other.
Other restaurants on RUE GOURAUD - plenty of choice as the street is packed with amazing places!
CORNICHE - favorite promenade spot, especially late in the afternoon on the weekends.
You can find everything here; from teenagers dressed to impress to groups on their own plastic chairs setting up temporary camps...
...vendors, people fishing or praying or simply having a coffee...
and so did we have a stroll on Saturday afternoon!
Enjoying Beirut ritual with a leisurely Saturday afternoon stroll along Corniche.
LA PLAGE - this cool beach café and lounge is a social hub for glamorous Middle Easterners.
The spot is one of the best for be-seen lunches, summertime tanning and late-afternoon soirees attracting a cool mix of Beirut's sexiest.
Sunset over PIGEON ROCKS
Dinner at UTOPIA - private restaurant of Music Hall founder - Michel Elefteriades.
MUSIC HALL - old cinema converted into a cabaret theatre; original, groundbreaking concept that remains a one of a kind night venue in the region.
BO18 - BE OVER 18 - famous house music nightclub with roof top that opens so you dance under the stars!
The heart of Beirut's reconstruction is CENTRE VILLE, the old downtown which was virtually flattened during the 15 years of fighting.
The Rafik Hariri Mosque in Downtown
Inside the The Rafik Hariri Mosque.
Before he was killed by a massive truck bomb, Rafik al-Hariri had personally overseen aspects of the construction, including the selection the shade of blue for the ceramic dome of the mosque.
"THE EGG" - former Beirut City Center, egg shaped theater / cinema is on death-row, making space for the new 600 million dollar Beirut Gate project.
In the meantime there are art exhibitions inside.
More of new Beirut DOWNTOWN, which is the largest urban renovation project in the world!
The Rafik Hariri Mosque at night.
More of incredible Downtown night views from one of the roof top bars.
ACHRAFIYE district at night.
Great Armenian Restaurant with authentic food, music and decoration.
Perfect for ending our long weekend in Beirut.