#pub leebeirut in #Hamra #Beirutbynight #Beirut #sign #arabictype (Taken with Instagram at Hamra)
![oldbeirut:
Aerial view of Beirut [1970]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_li0gtmCZwJ1qhij65o1_500.jpg)
The always crowded #Gemmayzeh #street #Ashrafieh #Beirut #nightshot #Beirutbynight #Traffic #Lebanon (Taken with instagram)
Batroun
What can I say, anytime I’m in Lebanon I HAVE to go to Batroun at least 3 times in the warmer month. Great thing about Batroun is the cost. For a popular beach town it’s pretty cheap. Most beaches (like white beach) only cost a couple of dollars and they’re super clean/refreshing. Not to mention the great night life :D Anyone going to Lebanon needs to spend a day there. The pictures say it all.
The Wonders of Basterma Mano
Say what you like, basterma (a very cured and spiced meat) in my opinion is one of my favorite meats from the Middle East. Whether in a sandwich or with eggs (my personal favorite!) basterma is an essential in my fridge. Warning, if you’re going to meet up with your significant other after eating basterma, it’s probably a good idea to brush your teeth first.
First time I ever got a chance to explore Bourj Hammoud I was starving. For those of you that don’t know Bourj Hammoud it is an Armenian area of Greater Beirut, and a personal favorite. Not many other cities in the region host such a large Armenian population, and anyone who knows me knows that I love all things Armenian :) It really stems from my respect for them being able to survive something as devastating as genocide and still being able to carry on with their strong culture regardless of what happens to them. Bourj Hammoud is full of all sorts of stuff including some awesome Armenian handicrafts and delicious Armenian food! Looking around for a quick snack I suddenly saw a sign saying “BASTERMA MANO”. Thinking it was a summer time mirage I ran right in and thankfully it turned out to be real! Upon entering what really amazed me was that they actually had soujouk (another spiced meat) in shawarma (gyro) form! Glowing bright red, I had never seen anything but lamb, beef, or chicken shawerma. Ordering my traditional basterma sandwich I picked up a soujouk shawerma with great curiosity. Needless to say I now make sure to get soujouk shawerma upon everytime I make a trip to Bourj Hammoud.
I highly recommend anyone to go Bourj Hammoud because 1. you won’t get to see many other Armenian areas in the region, come on people learn about a new culture and cuisine! 2. its not touristy and if your wallet is hurting its not an expensive place.
If you want to see more pics of the area check out this blog post from @mich1mich here —-> http://michcafe.blogspot.com/2010/12/beirut-walking-in-bourj-hammoud.html
and if you want to see some great photography from the area check out my friend @krikOrianM ‘s blog ——> http://krikorian.wordpress.com/
If anyone wants to contribute positive or unique experiences you had in the Mid East, just email me at paul.gadalla@gmail.com
