The Real Page Turner – Discover the Rare Books of Beirut

Art
It’s said that knowledge is power – and the best way to sustain knowledge is through books. To some of our millennial readers – we’re referring to actual books – you know the one with the front and back cover and the tangible pages – not to be confused with your iPad or Nook. Only a

The Real Page Turner – Discover the Rare Books of Beirut

Art
It’s said that knowledge is power – and the best way to sustain knowledge is through books. To some of our millennial readers – we’re referring to actual books – you know the one with the front and back cover and the tangible pages – not to be confused with your iPad or Nook. Only a

The historic Barber Shops of Basta – Will they make the Cut?

Travel
Looking your best is one of the main concerns – actually let me rephrase that – a main concern, the Lebanese have. It’s just in our nature to have our hair in perfect shape and our nails freshly manicured. Keeping up with style trends and different hairstyles is something that used to be of an

Frozen in time: Bouza Mitri, 65 years of ice cream perfection

Food
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Lebanon can definitely offer up some delicacies that satisfy it. Baklawa, sfouf, halawet jeben, ashtaliyye…the choices are endless. But when it comes to ice cream, people are more likely to think of the Italians than they are of the Lebanese. That’s probably because people haven’t heard of the late

Raising the Curtain on Metro Al Madina

Art
Beirut has always had a vibrant theatre and music culture. Throughout the decades, the city continually set the benchmark for artistic expression in the Middle East, attracting artists and audiences from around the region. It’s had its ups and downs though – what was once a mainstream activity slowly became one for a niche crowd.

The Ultimate Disconnect: Irresistible Sri Lanka

Travel
With January upon us, and work officially back in business, routines are harder than ever to establish as we long and daydream about our holiday break. Let’s just say ours was a lot harder to say goodbye too. We traded a traditional New Year countdown for a week of sightseeing, tea factories, and whole lot

7 tips for a succesful New Year’s resolution

Health
New Years resolutions- let’s be honest, we all make them, but rarely ever keep them. Something about the New Year triggers the need to better us in every aspect. The idea of bettering ourselves is great- but making them habits is even greater. We’ve narrowed down the best tips and tricks to help motivate and

Don’t Panic, Christmas is under control: Last Minute tips for a stress-free Christmas

Art
Inevitably, every Christmas Eve, with the rush of getting gifts, preparing dinner and making your home into a winter wonderland of sorts, there will be one or two things you’ll suddenly remember last minute. Maybe you took your time wrapping so many presents that you unwittingly forgot that one last one at the bottom of

The Making of a Magical Christmas: Going behind the scenes with the Nutcracker

Art
We just love Christmas. No matter what, for the festive season, things just become a little bit brighter, better and, dare we say…magical. Our streets are filled with twinkling lights, Christmas trees peek out from windows across the country and Christmas carols invade our radio stations. It’s all just one big happy joyous time. But

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – especially at Al Rifai!

Food
The month of December is finally upon us. The time of year where the air is filled with the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and everyone seems to be in a much happier mood. Whether the joy is due to the upcoming vacation days from work or the holiday spirit, we’ll leave

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – especially at Al Rifai!

Food
The month of December is finally upon us. The time of year where the air is filled with the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire and everyone seems to be in a much happier mood. Whether the joy is due to the upcoming vacation days from work or the holiday spirit, we’ll leave […]

6 Strange but fun Christmas Traditions from Around the World

Travel
There are certain symbols, traditions, and customs that immediately come to mind when you think of Christmas. Take for example sleigh bells, snow, stockings, trees and presents – all typical. But, how about a cat that will eat you or a religious roller-skater? Suddenly, those things don’t sound too Christmassy do they? Then again, if you

The Lebanese Dekkene: An endangered species?

Travel
If someone were to ask us what one of our golden memories as a child growing up in Lebanon was, a majority of us would have answered: trips to the corner store or as most of us know it – the “dekkene.” Endless trips with your friends or even with your grandparents where a 1,000

Five footballers who are actually nuts.

Art
Have you ever examined a wood carving and thought- “wow look at all that detail, it must of took so much time and effort to do.” Yeah well imagine that same carving on a Brazilian nut! Yes, you didn’t read wrong, a Brazilian nut. In the run up to World Cup 2014, British artist Quentin

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