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Beirut, Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon's capital, is situated on a partially elevated headland projecting into the Mediterranean. The city lies just below the 34th parallel north latitude-slightly south of Los Angeles and about on line with Atlanta. It covers an area of some three square miles. Beirut's strategic position, heterogeneous population, and attractive climate and geography combined to make the city a regional hub during the 1950s and '60s. Many foreign companies maintained regional headquarters there, and the airport was one of the busiest in the Middle East. The city became a popular R&R point for residents of nearby Arab countries, and its nightlife became world famous.

All this came to an abrupt end following the onset of the Civil War in early 1975, and much of the city was reduced to rubble and most foreigners left. Since 1990, Beirut has made progress in repairing its infrastructure of roads and communications, and central Beirut has witnessed a significant transformation through a public/private partnership for reconstruction.

Beirut, like most Mediterranean Sea ports, has a variety of fresh fish available in the markets. Lebanon produces a wide variety of excellent fruits and vegetables. Apples, citrus fruits, melons, apricots, peaches, plums, grapes, strawberries, and mangoes are available in season. Dates, figs, olives, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are also available. Vegetables are plentiful. Fresh string beans, peas, beets, carrots, eggplants, cabbage, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers are available almost year-round.

Beirut has several supermarkets offering a range of items comparable to those available in the U.S. or Western Europe. The many pastry and bakery shops in Beirut offer Lebanese pastries, French and Middle-Eastern bread as well as continental pastries and American-type cookies. Although cake and frosting mixes are widely available, local cakes and pastries are not prepared to American taste.

Lebanese cuisine is known throughout the world. A meal begins traditionally with the "mezza" which is a variety of several small dishes, hot or cold, set out for all to share. The main meal follows. Then fruit and a variety of Lebanese desserts are served followed by Arabic coffee, espresso, or "white coffee" a hot orange blossom drink.

Beirut has many beaches and resorts all along its coast. For some beaches you must have a membership; others are public. Beach season starts the end of May and lasts until mid-October. Water sports are popular. Scuba diving, for instance, has gained great popularity, though the variety of marine life is limited and no living reefs exist. Water skiing and wind surfing are accessible.

Alpine skiing on numerous mountain slopes can be enjoyable, with the ski season beginning in January and lasting only until March. Hotels and lodges offer ski instruction and offer overnight accommodations, though Embassy employees may not remain off the Embassy compound overnight.