Flying into Beirut was different this time. In 2007, I dealt with the uncertainty of residing in a country whose language I only marginally understood and couldn’t speak at all, but I did so knowing that I would be home in about a month and a half, with no ill effects of which to speak (aside from salmonella induced weight loss). Coming to a place as a prospective resident with a 5 plus year plan and knowledge that you have a month to get yourself and your situation in order is another experience entirely.
After a few (busy, busy) days of attempting to get our house in order, it feels as though I’ve finally settled in to the city as an integral part (or at least a dangler) rather than an outsider looking in. Oddly enough, it feels as though this teeming and rather fluid city hasn’t changed much from the last time I was here, though thanks to Tam I’ve discovered several places where I can find American coffee that’s at least as good as any I’ve had in America.
So, until more news is available, here is my 5 lessons learned from our first week in Beirut:
1. Hate the taxis
2. Holing up in a place with air conditioning and wi-fi may become an afternoon tradition during the summer
3. Never say “Hey, they never cut the power today!”
4. Cafe Younis has pancakes!
5. Speak Arabic, but not only Arabic
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