In Bourj Hammoud

We recently went to Bourj Hammoud, the Armenian section of Beirut, to do some shopping. This was our first time back to that neighborhood since we left in 2007.

I took this picture along a street that is (as far as I know) always closed to traffic, which is probably my favorite thing about it. There are dozens of shoe stores along this road, and while we were there we picked up some new shoes for our kids. They needed it.

Homeward

Sunset, the road home. Just a few of my favorite things.

Corn on the Corniche at Night

To the well-known and oft belabored divisions within Lebanese society we can add the following: there are those who eat corn on the Corniche, and then there are the others who roll their eyes as they issue repeated protests. That stuff is germ-ridden, sure to make you sick, filthy, they tell you. Don't eat anything those people have touched.

The other night when we were out, the kids were terribly disappointed that I didn't have any money at all. They wanted to buy an ear of corn. They've eaten the stuff more than a few times and they love it. And no, it never has made them sick.

Power

Here, for your viewing pleasure, is a wad of electrical cables that you can expect to see on just about any old, semi-old, or not at all posh building in Beirut. They pretty much all have an electrica hub like this one.

I love this--having the guts of the electrical system visible. When the kids ask why the lights work (or don't, as the case may be), no matter where we are I can point to one of these.

Andalos Street, Raoucheh

I recently walked by this doorway on Andalos Street in Raoucheh. I love the tiles, the awsome (though typical) font--the colors and lines--all of it.

The light was fading fast as a took this photo. A better photographer would have waited, would have come back for better light. But I'm glad I took the photo anyway. Who knows when I'll wander by again?

Oh, and happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family in America. I hope you have a great celebration and eat a piece of pie for me, would you?

And They Come in Threes

One of the architectural features of traditional Lebanese homes is the triple arch--seen here on three levels of an older house on Bliss Street.

Although the triple arch is a typical feature, these old houses are becoming atypical in Beirut--they're evermore likely to be torn down and replaced by high-rise flats that can house 20 families instead of three.

Anyway, back to the picture--I love how each level has it's own style. And those Art Deco ones up on the third floor? Coolest arches ever.

Toward Gemmayze

Have I mentioned that I'm learning Arabic?

This is the view from my classroom, taken early, before the lesson started.

Windows

Windows are just so . . . practical.

I mean, really, why poke a hole in a wall when you've already got a hole in the wall?

Flag Waving

There are many beautiful buildings in Beirut--especially downtown. So many, in fact, that as you walk around you have to quit noticing how wonderful they are. For your own sake. So you can get on with your life. This building is one of them.

I took this picture because they had flags out in numbers, so patriotic. It was only later, at home, that I really took a good look at the facade. What great detail, variation, rhythm. I like it, flags or not.

No Joke

Just another moment of absolute serendipity.