+961

A Lebanese Blog

Month: July 2011

  • Beirut city center to be demolished in the few coming days?

    I just saw this post on Facebook about the possibility of demolishing Beirut City Center (also known as “the egg”) over the next few coming days.

    “The egg” was designed by Philippe Karam in 1965 and served as a cinema for a short time before the eruption of civil war in Beirut. For some reason it survived the demolition works during Beirut’s central district reconstruction in the 90’s and remained standing until some artists started using it in the last few years to exhibit their work inside it. And now, rumors has it that it will demolished very soon.

    I’m not sure I’ll be sad to see it going, though if it were to me I would have renovated it instead, but I’m certain it will feel awkward to pass by the martyr’s square and not see the egg laying there at the end of the street.

    Thank you @SeenKaf

    Update:

    Solidere denied any plans to demolish the egg anytime soon. They even claimed they’re against the demolition and that the dome will be integrated in the new design.

  • Wine tasting in Lebanon

    I stumbled upon this article in The Daily Star this morning about wine tasting in Lebanon mentioning companies that organize tours to wineries in the Bekaa valley and the north, in addition to the most famous wineries to visit.

    A visit to one of these places will definitely offer something different and more cost-effective than the overrated night life experience and overpriced beaches in Lebanon for both locals and tourists.

    Where to go:

    Chateau Ksara

    Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours and tasting sessions are available without an appointment, although it is recommended to call in advance. Appointments can also be made for tours of the wine-making process. Contact: +961-1-200-715
    Website: www.chateauksara.com.lb

    Chateau Massaya

    For vintage aficionados, Massaya offers tasting of library wines no longer available on the market, for which calling ahead is preferred. Open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the summer months. Opening hours are shorter during the winter. Contact: +961-8- 510-135
    Website: www.massaya.com

    Chateau Kefraya

    A visit to Chateau Kefraya’s 430-hectare grounds incorporates the winery’s Treasures Room, which includes wines dating back to the chateau’s late ’70s beginnings. Guided visits are available every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: +961-8-645-333
    Website: www.chateaukefraya.com/

    Chateau Musar

    Lebanon’s most-loved wine export, Chateau Musar is created in the cellar of a 17th century castle in Ghazir, Mount Lebanon. Tasting sessions and tours can be arranged by appointment. Contact: +961-9-925-056
    Website: www.chateaumusar.com.lb

    Photo via CD Traveller.

  • Even our hundreds years old trees are now for sale

    This is a shame.

    An 800-year old olive tree has been planted in a residential and business project in Abu Dhabi, the developers said in a statement Monday .

    The olive tree, originating from Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast, has been planted at Rawdhat, located beside the Old Airport Road , overlooking the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Reem Developers said.

    You definitely can’t blame the developers, they can afford anything if they have the money for it. But who the hell approved exporting this tree from Lebanon? It isn’t like we have an excess number of these!

    Via @samiaonthemove

  • Just Married!

    Is that enough explanation for the lack of posts on +961?

    I actually got married on July 1st and I’m currently spending some time (AKA honeymoon) at probably one of the best places on earth. Phuket, Thailand.

    See you in a while! 🙂