My first week in Lebanon

 Arriving at sunset gave me a beautiful landing overlooking this city which I am falling in love with more and more every day. 

 A beautiful Spring day in the Bekaa Valley with the snow topped mountain range behind which separates Lebanon from Syria. Back in my days of selling wine I studied this region which produces world renowned wine and much more. Little did I know years later I’d be here. 

My new set up for teaching online. When I’ve gone to live overseas before I never took with me things like rugs and photos/pictures but they really do make all the difference. And even my handy pencil case with board markers and stationary. I’m sure I’ve had to run around trying to find supplies before in my first days which is not ideal when you’ve got enough to focus on and get the hang of. I’m learning it’s worth taking extra luggage to make a home and have some of those essentials to make transition a little easier. Having a local housemate who knows the ins and outs of the culture and how things work is a HUGE advantage I’ve never had before. And I wouldn’t have even moved here without the comfort of having my favourite person welcome me and hand over a local sim, currency and a fridge of food for isolation. It’s been almost 4 years but we’re finally in the same country not just as a visitor!  

The ups and downs of learning a new language! Some days I get a buzz out of understanding and being understood in a local shop and the next I can’t seem to string a simple sentence together. Needing patience and perseverance. Loving having face to face lessons with my Arabic tutor after 6 months of online classes. 

My morning routine making tea and occasionally very strong Arabic coffee! Sitting out on the balcony watching the world go by with the rest of the neighbourhood on theirs is one of the sweetest moments of my day. Not the quietest but even the constant hum of the generators don’t bother me….yet! Still in the honeymoon stage of living somewhere new I think!  

Not a bad first morning of isolation to wake up to my Middle Eastern housemate making us brunch. The best falafel (yum!) and has anyone else tried cumin on their eggs? They just won’t taste as good without it now.  

 It’s hard to capture just how hilly the city is. And how it’s like to drive around it. 

The French influence in the city is tangible and I’m glad to be able to fall back on some French words when I get stuck in communicating. 

This promenade loops around the city and is where I’ve gone for a run or 2. There’s always such a mixed crowd- families chasing kids, power-walkers, romantic strollers, fishermen, men playing backgammon on the rocks. A whole lot of life.