Yeah, I'm not going to get on a soapbox about which candidate to vote for in the US general election. If you don't know who you're voting for by now, nothing I can say will change your mind. Just vote from an informed position, please. We've heard a lot this election cycle about voter fraud … Continue reading Election Musings – US and Lebanon
Category: LSF2012
Devastation in Achrafieh
I was heartbroken to read the news of car bomb in Achrafieh this afternoon, killing eight and injuring far more. The site of the bombing, Sassine Square, was home to a memorial for former President Bachir Gemayel, assassinated at that spot in 1982. I cannot believe this community has yet another event to mourn. Some … Continue reading Devastation in Achrafieh
“You’re So Brave”
I often have conversations with my family about what I’m doing in school and get the idea from them that they think what I'm accomplishing is “exceptional” in some way. I always have a rough time seeing this. I mean, I am daily surrounded by people doing the exact same things as me, often far … Continue reading “You’re So Brave”
Youth, Sports, Politics, and Society in Lebanon – Simon Abi Ramia
On June 29, the LSF met with Simon Abi Ramia, President of Youth & Sports Committee of the parliament of Lebanon. Our discussion was widespread, focusing on sports and youth (of course) but also on politics, religion, and society within Lebanon. His insight touched upon many of the national and regional issues currently in play … Continue reading Youth, Sports, Politics, and Society in Lebanon – Simon Abi Ramia
Day 10+ (July 2-3) – Princesses, LAU, Shatilla, Le Péché, Flight
For those of you still following my trip blog, I do apologize for the delay. there is just such a finality to writing this post, and I honestly haven't wanted to deal with it. While my post-fellowship plan includes extensive blogging of my trip research, this is really the last "Today we did X" kind … Continue reading Day 10+ (July 2-3) – Princesses, LAU, Shatilla, Le Péché, Flight
Day 9 (July 1) – Beirut National Museum, Beirut Souks, SkyBar
Sunday was very eventful, with trips to the Beirut National Museum, the Beirut Souks, and SkyBar. You can see photos here. We began the trip to the Museum with a short documentary on the history of the museum and its restoration during and after the Lebanese Civil War. The museum itself is quite small and … Continue reading Day 9 (July 1) – Beirut National Museum, Beirut Souks, SkyBar
Day 8 (June 30) – Beiteddine and Points South (Including UN Peacekeepers and Hezbollah)
Saturday marked our day of travels south through Beiteddine, Jezzine, a swing by Marjeyun and the Israeli border, and then back to Beiteddine for a Caracalla show. Beiteddine was pretty cool. The castle there was built by the Druze during the Ottoman period and has been beautifully restored since the Lebanese Civil War. I was … Continue reading Day 8 (June 30) – Beiteddine and Points South (Including UN Peacekeepers and Hezbollah)
Day 7 (June 29) – Parliament, Jeita, Byblos, Pepe Abed
Sorry I am so behind on this blog. The end of the trip was a whirlwind, followed by travel home, Dad's birthday, travel back to VA, etc. Here goes though. Day 7 was fascinating. It started with a meeting at Parliament with MP Simon Abi Ramia, the President of the Youth and Sports Committee. I … Continue reading Day 7 (June 29) – Parliament, Jeita, Byblos, Pepe Abed
Home Away from Home: The Plight of the Refugee in Lebanon
Home Away from Home: The Plight of the Refugee in Lebanon. I couldn't say this better myself
Day 6 (June 28) – US Embassy, ATCL, Bill Corcoran and ANERA, and Music Hall
Thursday was truly a special day. Our schedule got mixed up a bit, so we all got to sleep in (yay!) before heading to the La Artisanat, an area of Beirut with lots of locally made products. I picked up presents for my husband and his sister and mom there. Afterward, we drove out to … Continue reading Day 6 (June 28) – US Embassy, ATCL, Bill Corcoran and ANERA, and Music Hall
Holly A. Jordan 