The cold weather that we are experiencing this weekend is bringing much needed snow to our mountains and Faraya seems to have got a good amount so far.
The cold front is supposed to last over the next week I think and more snow is expected, so the slopes may probably open in the next couple of weekends.
Below is a photo showing how the slopes in Faraya looked like on the same day of the previous year (January 3rd 2014), so 2015 looks definitely promising.
photos via Skileb.com
According to BETA’s page on Facebook, a group of people in Nahr El Mot captured a dying fox today, and instead of rescuing it by at least notifying the authorities, they just thought about every possible way to abuse it!
A frantic phone call about a dying fox today, and 2 of our volunteers rushed straight to the scene.
To their dismay, the fox was not on the side of the Nahr el Mot highway as they were told; he was on the trunk of a car with men surrounding him as you can see in the photo. Their plan, original plan hadn’t we interfered we must say, was to tie him up on the hood of the car, drive around showing off their “trophy” and eventually sell him.Our volunteers tried to rescue the fox, but the proud men there tried to intimidate them and scare them off, especially that they were 2 women. And one very enthusiastic man stopped them, angrily screamed at them, cursed them and asked for money in order to surrender the poor fox.
We strongly stand against the selling and buying of any animal, let alone a wild victim agonizing in front of our own eyes.
Shouts, screams, curses, but still, our volunteers tried to calm down the man and rationally explain to him that he cannot claim the fox, a wild animal that belongs to the Lebanese wild.
We are often faced with hostility during our rescues, but the same man took “aggression and ignorance” to a whole new level!It was simple! Our volunteers refused to give up and started calling backup. So the man held the fox by the tail in one hand and a knife in another hand, and tried to skin the fox alive!
This is when you run out of patience and constructive discussions! Our volunteers aka “task force” took action, screamed, shouted and threatened, came near the fox and took him by force, and kept on threatening until the man was scared off and fled the scene, needless to say without the fox.
The fox was quickly transported to a clinic, and currently tests are being done to determine his case.
But the fox is in extremely critical state and the prognosis doesn’t look good so far!We will keep you posted! Source
That’s one more story showing that ignorance is definitely not making for good animal welfare in this country. Two days ago, news about a group of hunters shooting down an eagle in the mountains passed as if it isn’t such a big deal.
Update:
The fox unfortunately did not make it since his spine was broken.
A fox with a broken spine…
A wild animal that will never be able to run, hunt or
live normally…A predator that will have to spend the rest of his life paralyzed and completely helpless…
While cats and dogs appreciate the care and love we give them and can lead a normal life even if paralyzed, a fox would be miserable in captivity, especially that wild animals are not to be touched or cuddled.
A fox with a broken back completely dependent on humans… This is not a quality of life for a wild animal, and we had to make the very hard and sad decision of letting go and putting him to sleep.
Rest in peace little one! Source
As you may have read around the web in the last couple of days, the world witnessed the biggest and brightest full moon in 2012, also known as a Supermoon, which is the name used when referring to a full moon that occurs when the moon is at its closest distance to earth, and usually happens once every 412 days.
Below is a cool shot taken by Beirut Drive-By of the Supermoon over the Lebanese mountains last night.
The new Cadillac SRX ad looks ad if it was shot in Lebanon, especially with the “Faraya-Mzaar” sign that appears in the middle of it. But where exactly do we have such nice road here?
Amer just confirmed the ad was shot in Faraya. Ok, the ad was NOT shot in Lebanon.
We’ve all heard a million times that in Lebanon you can ski and swim in the same day, but did you ever meet someone who really did that?
Alex Taylor, a reporter in The Daily Star, felt like confirming the myth a few days ago and actually went skiing at Mzaar in the morning, then drove around noon to Jbeil and hit the beach.
After a few runs, I’m feeling exhilarated, but a bit overheated and in need of a swim. It might be the booming tunes by Stereo Love and the Black Eyed Peas blaring from the lodge speakers or maybe subliminal messaging from all the billboards advertising vodka, but I’m feeling ready for another, world-renowned Lebanese pastime – to party. I take off my skis, intent on joining the snow bunnies drinking white wine at the lodge in their furry, Prada boots, but remember that I have a mission.
I’m off to Jbeil, following flashy Hummers driving down the mountain. As I descend, the temperature rises, as do the glorious smokestacks of the Zouk power plant just ahead. Beach, here I come. Source
And just like the article revolves around a cliche idea about Lebanon, it also has a cliche start and ending. For some reason, Alex started by comparing Lebanon to the rising phoenix, and ended it by telling that she still has to pay Skybar a visit to see the “real” Lebanon there (yeah right).
A cold weather and a good company is all you need to enjoy a pierrade at Le Montagnou Faraya! The restaurant has a really beautiful scenery in daytime, and feels really cozy at night.
I had a mushroom soup as a starter with a small share of a grilled chicken fillet course, and they both tasted good.
Then came the yummi pierrade with this large pot of cholesterol melted cheese. I had to deal with some guilt afterward but it was ok! 😛
… but I got a bit disappointed towards the end with the chocolate fondue, as the chocolate didn’t really taste the way it should be.
Anyway, having a friendly staff, a nice atmosphere, and good food, the place is totally recommended!
