Endless Summer

There are days when summer feels as endless as the sea.

All along the Corniche at this time of year, people (mostly men, but a woman or child here or there) swim in the shallow water near land or perch on the seaweed covered rocks and tide pools.

Neighbors

These doors are neighbors just as much as the folks who live behind them. I wonder if they're friends. In this neighborhood, it's very likely they're family. The doors look a little like family too.

Another Luxury Floor Plan

The first floor plan I posted was pretty fancy, but this one outdoes it. I found it outside a construction site not far from the Intercontinental Hotel near the Corniche.

It has one unit per floor, unlike the first which had two on each floor. There are four bedrooms up from three, and each bedroom has its own full bath. You'll note the double living room and (if you include the balcony space) double dining.

Like the other one, this plan features a separate elevator and entrance for the maid. This was fashionable decades ago. Then it fell out of fashion and the separate entrance disappeared. Looks like it's making a comeback.

Fine Lines

I couldn't help taking a picture of all those antennas rising above this unquestionably typical residential building.

I feel like I ought to take some greater lesson from the image, though I don't know exactly what that would be.

Heavy

You know how, when you are very, very tired, your whole being feels heavier?

That's how those sagging, drooping shutters make me feel.

What Strange Chimneys

I could be wrong about this. Being wrong isn't that uncommon for me, but I think these odd things on the roof--these strange metal capped things are mufflers to stifle the sound of gas-powered generators that kick in when municipal power fails.

Open and Closed

Alternating open and closed balconies near Achrafieh Tabaris.

On hot days, I imagine the shade of a closed balcony would have a cooling effect, a welcome characteristic at this time of year.

Up at Laziz

Laziz is a casual Lebanese restaurant in Hamra. Here's a shot of their interior decor. I was able to take this picture from my table as I waited for my food. I like it that even their air ducts are embellished.

Although their menu is devoted to traditional Lebanese food, some of it is fantastically unconventional. Kebbe, for example. It's as thoroughly typical as hummus and taboule. You can buy kebbe anywhere--and it's delicious. Of course, you'll find typical, traditional kebbe at Laziz, but they've also got a variety made with pumpkin which is frankly amazing. Try it if you're ever in town.

Palms

I took this picture because of the doorway and that amazingly tall, upward reaching arch above it. But increasingly I like this picture for those two plams, inclined toward each other like old friends.

Through There

If I lived here, I'm quite sure that I would periodically hack back these overgrown leafy things. Compulsion would drive me to do it.

But that would completely destroy the mystery (magic, perhaps) of this place, so it's a good thing I don't live here.