Lebanon is NOT What You Think! Here's Why

Summary

In this travel video, Drew Binsky explores Lebanon, a country often misunderstood by outsiders. Despite its small size, Lebanon offers a rich cultural and natural diversity, with its mix of religions, languages, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling nightlife of Beirut to the ancient ruins, mountains, and beaches, the country impresses with its beauty and warmth. Drew highlights the welcoming nature of the Lebanese people, the unique cuisine, and the country's surprising safety. He challenges common misconceptions, encouraging viewers to experience Lebanon for themselves, and underscores the excitement and history the country has to offer.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lebanon is a small but incredibly diverse country, rich in culture, religion, and language.
• 😀 The country has a unique multilingual society where people fluently speak English, French, and Arabic.
• 😀 Many outsiders have misconceptions about Lebanon, including safety concerns and its religious makeup.
• 😀 Despite being in the Middle East, Lebanon has a large Christian population, with churches present alongside mosques.
• 😀 Lebanon's climate is not desert-like as many assume; it features green rolling hills, beautiful villages, beaches, and ski slopes in winter.
• 😀 Lebanon is safe, with a peaceful atmosphere that feels secure even in urban areas, with rare petty crime.
• 😀 The Lebanese people are known for their incredible hospitality and warmth, similar to Iranians, often offering food and help to visitors.
• 😀 Lebanon’s landscape offers stunning natural beauty, including mountains and countryside views.
• 😀 The country's history is long and rich, with traces of Phoenician, Roman, and Turkish civilizations visible in architecture and ruins.
• 😀 Beirut’s nightlife is vibrant, with bars, clubs, and world-class DJs offering a bustling social scene seven nights a week.
• 😀 Lebanese cuisine, particularly hummus, is world-renowned for its quality and flavor, ranked as the best by Travel and Leisure in 2016.

Q & A

What made the speaker decide to visit Lebanon?

The speaker decided to visit Lebanon after his friend Giorgio invited him to stay with his family. This prompted him to change his flight last minute.

What is one of Lebanon's most notable features according to the speaker?

Lebanon is described as one of the most culturally diverse countries, with a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multilingual population.

How many languages do people in Lebanon speak fluently?

People in Lebanon typically speak at least three languages fluently: English, French, and Arabic. Additionally, there is a unique Lebanese dialect.

What common misconception about Lebanon does the speaker address?

The speaker addresses the misconception that Lebanon is unsafe, often associated with war, terrorism, and being a predominantly Muslim country. He emphasizes that Lebanon has a significant Christian population and is safe to visit.

What does the speaker highlight about Lebanon’s climate and nature?

The speaker points out that Lebanon’s climate is not hot and deserted, as often believed, but rather has lush, green landscapes, beautiful rolling hills, villages, stunning beaches, and even ski slopes in winter.

What is the general atmosphere of Lebanon according to the speaker?

The atmosphere in Lebanon is described as welcoming and safe. The speaker notes that the country feels secure, with rare petty crime, and the locals are incredibly hospitable.

What is one of the unique experiences the speaker had in Lebanon’s mountains?

The speaker and his friend Giorgio got lost in the mountains a few times but were rewarded with amazing views of the countryside upon reaching the top.

How does the speaker describe the size and social dynamic of Lebanon?

Lebanon is described as being so small that it feels more like a village than a country. The speaker mentions that it’s easy to learn about people’s backgrounds based on their family name.

What are some of the key historical influences in Lebanon’s architecture?

Lebanon's architecture is a blend of various influences, including Phoenician, Roman, and Turkish elements, as seen in the city the speaker is exploring.

What makes Beirut’s nightlife special according to the speaker?

Beirut's nightlife is vibrant, with parties happening every night of the week, featuring a wide variety of bars and clubs. The city hosts some of the best DJs in the world and has a thriving underground techno scene.

What is the speaker's opinion on Lebanese food?

The speaker praises Lebanese food, highlighting that it was ranked as the best cuisine in the world by Travel and Leisure in 2016. He emphasizes the importance of trying the original hummus.

What does the speaker say about how Lebanon is portrayed in the media?

The speaker reflects that Lebanon is often portrayed negatively in the media, especially in relation to terrorism and bombings. He encourages viewers to visit Lebanon to see the exciting and positive aspects of the country.