A Typical Lebanese Dinner - MEZE

As part of our new teacher orientation we were treated to a tour of the city followed by a wonderful dinner. "...meze is often a meal in its own right. Groups of dishes arrive at the table about 4 or 5 at a time (usually between five and ten different groups). There is a set pattern to the dishes, typically olives, tahini, salad and yoghurt will be followed by dishes with vegetables and eggs, then small meat or fish dishes alongside special accompaniments, and finally more substantial dishes such as whole fish or meat stews and grills. Different establishments will offer different dishes, their own specialities, but the pattern remains the same. As so much food is offered, it is not expected that every dish be finished, but rather shared at will and served at ease." (taken from Wikipedia)

Our dinner started with soup and breads, which was quickly followed by tabboleah, hummus, chickpeas in yogurt, a cooked spinach dish, fried goat cheese, stuff wrapped in grape leaves - which was then followed by platters of rice, meats, more small dishes - which was followed by desserts and fruit. It was an overwhelming amount of food, but some of the most delicous food I have ever had.

YUM, YUM, YUMMY

Note - Ramadan is going on right now... this meant that at our dinner many of the people at are table were having their iftar (breaking of the day's fast during Ramadan). This made the occasion extra special, since even the locals were excited to eat the Meze and smoke sheesha.

REMINDER- You can click on the pictures to make it larger

Enjoying the Mediterranean in Lebanon

Here are a few pics of Moza, Adam and I enjoying the Med.

Even though Moza isn't crazy about swimming she loves going down to the sea and playing fetch in the water. The first time we went she was a little shocked by the saltiness of the water (esp. compared to Minnesota's Lakes).

In Beirut they have a road/large sidewalk/boardwalk that goes along the med for a long ways (not sure exactly how long). It's a great place to walk, hangout, go for a run, or smoke the sheesha, as the locals do.

Reminder - You can always click on the pics for a larger view!

My Apartment in Beirut

My apartment in Beirut is very small but very nice. The location is prime - I am located less than a 10 minute walk to ACS (my school) and the neighborhood is one of the best in the city. Lots of little produce markets, grocery stores, internet cafes, falafel stands, coffee shops etc. Oh and a vacant lot for Moza to do her business in. Oh, and did I mention there is a German Evangelical church in my apartment building? Strange but calming.

I'll post pics of my neighborhood at a later date...

I also included pictures from the rooftop of my apartment. Unfortunately I don't have views of the med from my apartment because I am only on the 4th floor. When we go up to the rooftop we can see the Med. on 3 sides.

REMINDER - You can always click on the pictures to enlarge them.