Things Only Lebanese People Can Understand
When you’re a Lebanese expat, it’s hard to get a sense of home, especially in western countries. Lebanon is rich with many things that are unique only to the country itself, and as citizens of this country, nothing makes us happier than being part of the amazing culture – a culture that knows no discrimination, no hate, only acceptance, and coexistence. Nonetheless, we wanted to give you a quick reminder of the positive side of living in Lebanon that you might (or might not :p) be missing. Nothing screams Lebanon more than the 5 things we’re about to list below.
1- Morning ski to afternoon swim
Only in Lebanon can a person go skiing in the morning while enjoying the cold, white and fluffy snow with their family on Sundays and then a mere 4 hours later, go down by the Mediterranean and sunbath on the hot sand with a cold RedBull in hand surrounded by your friends. This tiny country’s spring weather happens to be perfect for both of these completely opposite activities at once!
2- Unity of religion
All Lebanese people know what it’s like to live in a country rich with cultural and religious diversity. It’s part of who we are as a people and nothing makes us prouder. The first thing that crosses our minds when we talk about acceptance and coexistence, and that acts as a symbol of unity, are the mosque and church that stand tall side by side down in downtown Beirut.
3- The Traditional Dinner Bill Fight
A dinner out with friends isn’t fully complete without the “bill fight” at the end when it’s time to leave. It’s no surprise that generosity runs in the Lebanese blood, and so whenever its time to pay any bill, the infamous phrases “Treka 3laye”, “Ana 3azemkon”, “La la la ma be2bal”, “El marra el jey 3lek”, come out. P.s For anyone who’s not Lebanese dining at any restaurant in Lebanon, and you suddenly see 2 people standing on the table tugging at the bill to the point of bloodshed, don’t be alarmed, just sit back and enjoy the show.
4- Traditional Sunday BBQ
Imagine “mashewe wl shabeb” but with your grandma. Every Sunday, Lebanese families flee their homes early in the afternoon to go outside of Beirut and enjoy a full day of family fun. “shish tawouk”, “la7meh meshwiyyeh” and “3arayis kafta”, are all things that make our Lebanese mouths water… spending a day with your family out in nature, enjoying some beautiful weather, chitchatting and laughing with everyone, doesn’t get better than this.
5- Trilingual Sentences
“Hi! Kifak, ca-va?”. The sentence speaks for itself.