P.56 – 78 Chlifa – Interesting to Know

Juniper Tree Karim had sad memories about a Juniper Tree. “What does that idiot know about Juniper trees? What does she know about juniper branches and the wind wailing through juniper branches and the red earth split by juniper roots?” (P.20/21)

Beirut today Capital of Lebanon 1 million plus inhabitants years old Being rebuilt – 25 year plan Originally named Beroth, One side Juts into the sea City of the Wells Mountains behind

Beirut during the war Total destruction A city divided by the Green Line Debris everywhere dead; injured

Mount Lebanon Arabic: Loubnan – means” milk “ or “white” Refers to the snow-covered peaks Stretches from north to south – forms the country's spine

Distance from Beirut to Chlifa 80 kilometers – Chlifa lies between the mountains and the Beqaa Valley in the Baalbek area, on the other side of Mount Lebanon, at the east foot of the mountain

Chlifa meters above sea level Population: less than 300

The Lady with the Unicorn – one of a series of tapestries An elegantly clad woman in a long golden gown is playing a miniature organ set on a stand draped with a tapestry. On the other side of the organ, a second smaller woman is holding something, maybe a book of music or a bellows. Around the two women stand a lion, a unicorn and several small animals. They're on an island of greenery, like a soft, soft carpet sewn with many colourful flowers. The background is red; it too is strewn with flowers and leafy branches. (Page 72)

The Nahr el-Kelb Literal English translation: Dog River It runs for 19 miles (31 kilometres from a spring in Jeita near the Jeita grotto to the Mediterranean sea.