A Visit to Beirut National Museum: Explore the Rich History and Culture of Lebanon

Discover the fascinating history and cultural heritage of Lebanon at the Beirut National Museum. This museum, located in the heart of Beirut, showcases a diverse range of exhibits that date back to the prehistoric era, including ancient artifacts, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles.

The museum’s vast collection is spread out over several rooms, each showcasing different themes and periods in Lebanese history. Visitors can admire the intricate designs and intricate details of the ancient pottery, as well as the impressive sculptures that represent different gods and goddesses of ancient Lebanon.

One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of Phoenician artifacts, including jewelry, coins, and glassware, which give an insight into the ancient civilization that once flourished in the region. Visitors can also explore the ancient temples, palaces, and tombs of the Assyrian and Roman periods, and learn about the complex civilizations that ruled over Lebanon in the past.

Visitors can also marvel at the intricate textiles, including traditional Lebanese dresses and hand-woven carpets, that showcase the skills of the region’s artisans. The museum also has an extensive collection of manuscripts and books, including ancient maps and drawings, that offer a glimpse into the cultural and intellectual history of the region.

Overall, a visit to the Beirut National Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Lebanon. With its rich collection and fascinating exhibits, it provides an unforgettable experience that brings the history of the region to life.

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Baby changing-stations now mandatory!

Just in case you lost confidence in feminism and politics, president Michel Aoun signed the Babies Act on Friday, demanding that changing tables be made available in all bathrooms of public buildings, even the rooms of the men. Because dads must also change diapers. It is not much to oppose, for example, MPs who ridicule other men in Parliament for considering updating archaic laws on sexual harassment, but sometimes it is better to focus on small things. For example, men can change the diaper of their own baby in public toilets.

baby-changing-station

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You will never believe what these lullabies are really about

I’m in baby land!

As with any parent, I am suddenly interested in children songs, namely those that I have been hearing & singing all my life:

“Il était un petit navire,” “Au clair de la lune,” … Who did not hear these playful catchy tunes about a happy little boat floating on the Mediterranean, the soothing moonlight, and our friend Pierrot?

Here are the lyrics of those popular songs & lullabies -in French:

Il était un petit navire
Qui n’avait jamais navigué
Ohé ! Ohé ! Matelot, navigue sur les flots…

Here is another one, with a tune so simple, you can easily play it on a piano:

Au clair de la lune,
Mon ami Pierrot,
Prête-moi ta plume
Pour écrire un mot.
Ma chandelle est morte,
Je n’ai plus de feu.
Ouvre-moi ta porte
Pour l’amour de Dieu

What could be more innocent and suitable for babies?

Right?

WRONG!! I don’t know if I ever heard the whole song in the correct form, or if I simply did not pay enough attention.

Let us look more carefully into the lyrics:

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Join Google+ and get Hangouts!

Google Hangout to replace Google Talk?

Google Hangout to replace Google Talk?

Google is replacing its Chat gadget on Gmail with Google Plus Hangoutwith photos, emoji, and free group video calls!

Some people want the old chat feature, and not join yet Google Plus, another social network with contacts that were supposed to be private to begin with.

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African Drumming at TEDxBeirut

Awesome performance at TEDx that took place in Beirut on November 2012.

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Learn Lebanese Arabic with Abjadiye

Abjadiye is yet another online tutorial to learn the Lebanese dialect, for those abroad having a Lebanese friend or family you want to get closer to.

Learn Lebanese Arabic with Abjadiye

 

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You are using a version of Internet Explorer which will soon be unsupported.

Some features may not work correctly. Upgrade to a modern browser, such as Google Chrome.

You probably came across that message while reading you Gmail emails on the Internet Explorer 8 browser. Read the rest of this entry »

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عَيناكي… عَيناكي حلمٌ

عَيناكي... عَيناكي حلمٌ

How most Lebanese politicians sound to me.
Image from Buzz’s ad: خَلّي الجَوّ ولعان

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Lebanon: a country ahead, or a failed nation?

2 different articles, 2 extremes point of views on Lebanon, one author.
Read as Elie go though a love-hate relationship with a country dear to many:

That’s it, I am emigrating!

Oh my, what a beautiful country

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Learn Lebanese Arabic with Keefak

Did you always want to learn Arabic Lebanese language? Well, now there is an iPhone/Android app for that: Keefak

Unlike most other tutorials that focus on the literal written Arabic (with ubiquitous words like شُكراً Shukran and عَفواً Afwan) that is not exactly close to the spoken dialect spoken in Lebanon, this app aims to teach you the Lebanese-Arabic dialect. Read the rest of this entry »

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