1. DESTINATION LEBANON: A Jewel in the Middle East Tidbits about Lebanon to guide you throughout your stay!

2. Facts & Figures Capital Beirut Surface area 10,452 m²
Population 4.3 million
Languages Arabic (Official) – English – French
Currency Lebanese Pound (LBP)

3. Statistics and History
Major Religious Sects: Christian, Muslim, Druze
Ruling Powers
Ottoman Empire
French Mandate
Independence July 24, 1943
Traditional Dress Ottoman Folk

4. Lebanese Cuisine – Breakfast
Knafeh: a signature pocket bread called “Kaak” stuffed with sweetened cheese and served with rose water syrup
Man’oushe: a thin bread Served with either cheese or blended thyme spices called “Zaatar” along with fresh mint, tomato, and olives

5. Lebanese Cuisine – Standing Lunch
Falafel: a deep fried ball made from ground chickpeas served in a pita pocket and topped with lettuce, pickled vegetables, and tahini sauce
Shawarma : shaved lamb, meat, or chicken eaten with pita bread, tahini, pickled turnips and vegetables

6. Lebanese Cuisine – Traditional Mezze
Mezze: a series of small appetizers commonly served in Lebanese food culture
Baba Ghanouj
Tabbouleh

7. Climate & Weather
A cherished myth told by the Lebanese is that one can ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon
InterContinental Mzaar, Faraya
Edde Sands Beach Resort
Ski resorts in the town of Faraya are only a 40 minute drive from seaside attractions such as Eddè Sands Beach Resort

8. Nightlife & Entertainment
Buddha Bar – Restaurant & Night Club
Music Hall Theatre: Cultural Live Entertainment

9. Natural Sites and Landmarks
Mediterranean coastal city, Byblos is one of the oldest cities in the world and home to ancient Phoenician temples

10. Natural Sites and Landmarks
Jeita Grotto: A finalist in the 7 Natural Wonders of the World Campaign
A compound of crystallized caves in Lebanon
Made up of two limestone caves, upper galleries, and a 6230 meter long river

11. Al Bustan Festival, February to March 2012
The Tsar’s Bride,Helikon Opera
Immerse yourself in music, opera, dance and theatre during the Al Bustan Festival, which smoothes the way from winter towards spring. There are 30 events to choose from over five weeks at Emile Bustani Auditorium in Beirut's Hotel Al Bustan.

12. Beirut International Tango Festival, May 2012
Museum
The Beirut International Tango Festival, brings the Argentine dance genre to the American University of Beirut. Take a dance class, catch a typical tango quartet concert and head to El Derwendi restaurant for the nightly milonga club nights and shows.

13. Baalbeck International Festival, August 2012
Located in the Bekaa Valley, Baalbeck originated as the place to worship Baal, the Phoenician Sun God. Then in Greco-Roman times, the city was rebaptised as Heliopolis, meaning "City of the Sun." Today, its world-famous temples and city ruins are some of the largest and best preserved in the world.

14. Beirut Jazz Festival, September 2012
Presenting a number of Lebanese players along with international artists, the Beirut Jazz Festival fills the city centre with original music pieces, reflecting the diverse influences of their composers. Concerts are held in the vibrant Beirut Souks.

15. Byblos International Festival, July 2012
Gorillaz in Byblos 2011
The Scorpions in Byblos 2011
The ancient port of Byblos, 30km north of Beirut, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each summer, it becomes the meeting point of east and west when the International Festival presents a rich fusion of Arabic and world music.

16. Beirut International Film Festival, October 2012
A selection of numerous films by young and new directors, the trends of the future, and next year the documentary film competition will recommence in And for the competition, the trend of the last two years continues, new discoveries of more New Middle Eastern filmmakers than ever before!

17. Arabic Hints Good Morning Marhaba or Sabah l Kher
Good night Tesbah ala kher (M)Tesbahé ala kher (F)
You are most welcome Ahla w Sahlan
How are you doing? Kifak (M)- Kifik (F)
I'm fine Mnih (M) - Mniha (F)
Please Eza bet reed (M)- eza bet reedeh (F)
Thank you Shukran