Thread: I will be in Beirut from October 18 - 25! Who wants to meet up?

As the title says... I just booked my flight, excited to be back after 4 years!

I will take more dance lessons, check out the tango scene and go shopping...
Any dancers who are there right now and want to meet?
Which are the places worth going to for watching dancers?

MEISSOUN

Darn it! I'll be gone by the time you arrive, I'm going over on Friday. I'll be mostly in Byblos and don't worry, I'll be nagging everyone for info on dancers and where to see them :-) I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks!

So far I have only gotten in contact with a tango dancer... Yeah, the parallel universe of tango is deep and wide...

MEISOSUN

Hello from Byblos, Lebanon. So far:
- Fares Karam's latest cd is on every radio station and car stereo in town.
- Rabia is the dancer at Golden Sands resort on the beachfront at Dubeyh and a Russian dancer (so I was told) at Edde Sands in Jouneih.
- There's also a dancer at Awtar restaurant at the Monroe Hotel.
- The wedding is this afternoon. There's no bellydancer at the reception as they seem to be regarded as a bit 'old fashioned' by the under 30s. The debke troupe that'll be escorting the bride and groom into the reception tonight is supposed to be really good though. Looking forward to it.

Thanks for the tips.

I have been to the Awtar the first time I was in Beirut. Good to know they have a dancer again.

I saw your video of the wedding reception. Interesting "fairy dance" ..g.:

Do you know about the Diwan Shahrayar (Le Royal hotel)? We were there once, a really nice place.

Any suggestions for beach clubs? I used to have a flyer for a really nice, posh one but can't find it right now.

MEISSOUN

Le Royal is gorgeous isn't it?
Someone I met recommended Edde Sands (and they have a dancer) but I didn't go in, just went past several times :-)

Originally Posted by meissoun

Thanks for the tips.

I have been to the Awtar the first time I was in Beirut. Good to know they have a dancer again.

I saw your video of the wedding reception. Interesting "fairy dance" ..g.:

Do you know about the Diwan Shahrayar (Le Royal hotel)? We were there once, a really nice place.

Any suggestions for beach clubs? I used to have a flyer for a really nice, posh one but can't find it right now.

MEISSOUN

Edde Sands! That's the one I was looking for!
Edde Sands Resort - Byblos Lebanon

Looks goregeous.... Only 40 days left...

MEISSOUN

My new article about Beirut on the Gilded Serpent:

Belly Dance News & Events – Gilded Serpent » Blog Archive » Visit Beirut!

Wow, great article, thanks!
I will check out the restaurant suggestions, I have been to some of the places during former visits.

Between this and tango, I will be very busy at nights ..g.:

Can't wait...

MEISSOUN

Great article Mark. I'll be back in Beirut in November so I'll be sure to look up some of the dancers you mention.

Originally Posted by Mark Balahadia

My new article about Beirut on the Gilded Serpent:

Belly Dance News & Events – Gilded Serpent » Blog Archive » Visit Beirut!

Dalida is no longer at Bsat el Rieh. She is dancing now at Zad El Kheir in Jounieh.

I am soooo happy for you..g.: I was there in March and had a blast, can't wait to get back one day. Please give Helene a hug from me if you see here, which i am sure you will!

I started packing already :-)
And I will see Helena for my first lesson on Tuesday! ..g.:
And it's Summer there!!!!
Although I will have to check if the beach clubs are still open. But then, at these temperatures I don't see why they shouldn't. I would only go into the pools anyway.

Can't wait...

MEISSOUN

Originally Posted by meissoun

I started packing already :-)
And I will see Helena for my first lesson on Tuesday! ..g.:
And it's Summer there!!!!
Although I will have to check if the beach clubs are still open. But then, at these temperatures I don't see why they shouldn't. I would only go into the pools anyway.

Can't wait...

MEISSOUN

so how was Beirut? I am sure it was wonderful, Did you remember to say hi to Madame Helena from me? did you check out the clubs? oh so many questions i know, it's just that i really loved my time there i can't wait to go back one day.

Bonjour!

Well, I have been awfully busy ever since I came back. Still need to update my website.
For those who like to see holiday pictures:
http://8ung.at/meissoun/Fotos/Album/...nbul_2010.html
As you can see, I have been walking a lot (although it was HOT!!!) and luckily also found some nice people who drove me around.

It was good, but for the moment I don't feel the need to go back very soon - I have kind of "seen" it. But who knows, in a few years it will be interesting to go back and see all the new buildings and MORE shopping malls ..l;,

The people where wonderful as always, the shoes were over-the-top, the foooooood OMG!!! I never get tired of Lebanese food!

I learned a great new choreo from Helena Cremona and also participated in two of her regular classes.

Went to one dinner show at Awtar (there is a second one outside of Beirut) with REALLY heavenly food and saw dancer Elissar there - impressive spins! Good music interpretation, too much silicone for my taste...

Anyway, well worth the visit!

MEISSOUN