Having grown up in the Western Suburbs of Sydney, I spent a lot of my adolescences along the Canterbury-Bankstown line. Bankstown, Punchbowl, Lakemba, Belmore, Campsie, Canterbury, an ethnic melting pot of immigrant families. Thinking back to my high school days our group was the very definition of multiculturalism, Indians, Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Filipinos, Cambodians, Burmese, Fijians, Greek, Iranians, Samoans, Lebanese, many more. The list reads like the Olympic Village roll call. Being exposed to the different people, led to exposure to the different cultures.
When you think of an Australian "Lebo", you can't help but imagine the stereotypical character. "Yallah" this, "Habibbi" that, terrible haircut, loud sports car. However growing up with so many Lebanese friends, I remember the gregariousness, the brashness, the humour, the unfiltered presence. So when Lebanon was floated as a possible destination for a bachelor's party. I was immediately on board.
The logistics of traveling from Hong Kong to Beirut is not an easy feat. Firstly, you need to take a 9-hour flight to Doha, followed by an interconnecting 3-hour flight from Doha to Beirut. However, once you arrive you can't help but fall in love with the city. A sun-kissed city, with constant civil war reminders. Serving amazing food and equally welcoming people. Bumped into the odd Australian Lebanese expat whilst exploring the city. Such a great four days abroad.
I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to travel to the Middle East. I'm also grateful that my group of friends make me laugh so much, the quickness, observational aptitude and general good vibes.
I also managed to check off one of my bucket list items, devouring an authentic Lebanese Kebab in the early hours of the evening after a night out drinking.
When you think of an Australian "Lebo", you can't help but imagine the stereotypical character. "Yallah" this, "Habibbi" that, terrible haircut, loud sports car. However growing up with so many Lebanese friends, I remember the gregariousness, the brashness, the humour, the unfiltered presence. So when Lebanon was floated as a possible destination for a bachelor's party. I was immediately on board.
The logistics of traveling from Hong Kong to Beirut is not an easy feat. Firstly, you need to take a 9-hour flight to Doha, followed by an interconnecting 3-hour flight from Doha to Beirut. However, once you arrive you can't help but fall in love with the city. A sun-kissed city, with constant civil war reminders. Serving amazing food and equally welcoming people. Bumped into the odd Australian Lebanese expat whilst exploring the city. Such a great four days abroad.
I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to travel to the Middle East. I'm also grateful that my group of friends make me laugh so much, the quickness, observational aptitude and general good vibes.
I also managed to check off one of my bucket list items, devouring an authentic Lebanese Kebab in the early hours of the evening after a night out drinking.
No comments:
Post a Comment