Chouf, Rabbat dinner and an attempt at Sky Bar!
Trip Start
Jul 27, 2010
1
12
15
Trip End
Aug 08, 2010
Beirut, Beyrouth, Lebanon
Friday, August 6, 2010
Another full, full, full day here in Lebanon. As you may have guessed, given the pictures from my last post at MusicHall, we got a bit of a late start today. Christelle, Alain and I headed to the Chouf area to see some sites.
We first stopped at a small village named Deir El Kamar. This is the village where Christelle's family has a summer home so she knew the area extremely well. It had many old roads that are only meant for walking (meaning they are too narrow for cars). We walked the streets for awhile but with the extreme heat combined with the events of last night, Alain and I were definitely not doing so well! We made sure to see all the sites though.
From there we headed to Beit Eddine to see prince Chehab's palace (or the palace of Beit Eddine). It had several interesting rooms including old roman baths and diwan rooms where government officials used to meet with foreign dignitaries centuries ago.
We then headed to Mir Amine Palace (hotel) where Christelle and Alain got married two years ago. We toured for awhile then decided to relax and have a traditional Lebanese drink called a jellab. Although Christelle thought I may not like it, it was actually pretty tasty.
We were totally beat at this point so we got in the car and headed home. Alain and I both fell asleep in the car while Christelle bravely brought us down the mountain. Once home, I rested for about 30 min and then got ready for the Rabbat (or Rabbath as I learned later) dinner at Burj Al Hamam.
All of the invited guests slowly arrived and I met them for the first time. Once the introductions were made and we all got settled, I made my way around the table and Christelle took a photo of me with each of the Rabbats (Rabbaths)! At the end of the dinner, I made a short speech. Please see the photos below. This was truly an eventful evening that I will never forget. I want to thank auntie Nounou again for organizing this dinner.
After the Rabbat (Rabbath) dinner, I was feeling energized so we decided to make an attempt to enter the famous Sky Bar in downtown Beirut. For those of you unfamiliar, this is widely considered one of the best nightclubs in the world and is impossible to get into without a reservation at least a month in advance. I was definitely a bit skeptical about the "best nightclub in the world" claim given some of the clubs I have been to in Las Vegas. I just didn't see how they could be beat by this place.
As we drove up to the valet parking in Patrick's Peugeot hatchback we all started to feel a little uncomfortable given that there were at least 5 Ferrari's, 4 Lamborghini's and more Porsche's than I could count everywhere I looked. The valet asked us if we had a reservation and since we didn't, he wouldn't even park our car. Refusing to give up, we drove to the self parking lot all the way in the back, parked the car and charged forward to the front door.
Once there, Alain told me "Chris, use your American accent and talk to this guy. Convince him to let us in." I was like...wait...what accent? How am I supposed to convince this guy of anything? I had my doubts but decided to give it a shot anyway. We walked up to the velvet rope and the bouncer sternly looked at me. Using my newly realized American accent, I said "hey man, you think my friends and I can get in? I am visiting from Los Angeles and really want to see this place." He told me to hold on and went to talk to someone. He came back with a big smile on his face, lifted the velvet rope and said "you are welcome". We got in...no line, no cover. Amazing.
Once inside, I immediately understood why everyone loves this place. It was really a site to see. At least 1000 people were scattered on several levels all open to the night sky right on the Mediterranean sea. You have to check out the photos to attempt to understand this place. We stayed until around 3AM and then headed home. Looking back, I'd have to agree that this was the best nightclub I'd ever been to.
By far, this was THE most eventful and memorable day of the trip. It's going to be really difficult to top this day but we are going to try tomorrow...beginning bright and early at the jewelry store.
Until later...
-Chris
Comments
A Rabbath dinner -- the whole family, very nice. With the exception of Aunty Ida in NJ, we really never saw another Rabbat while growing up. Now you are sitting at a table full of the Rabbaths. Very nice.
Chris!
It sounds like you are having an absolutely wonderful trip! So happy for you! Thank you for sharing, I truly feel like I've gotten to visit all of these amazing places with you!
Please say hello to Christelle and Alain for us!
Nicole
Wow, what an awesome day. Chris, will you use your American accent next time we are trying to get in a club in L.A.? Have a safe return!
n
No, he'll use his Lebanese accent!
Chris we're missing you already ! And hoping to meet you again along with the whole family.
Looking forward to the last day's post ;-)
Cheers !
PS: I started an alcohol diet
Chris,
I think you have a second calling...Ambassador
Thanks Alain! All the posts are up and the blog is complete. Wait, weren't you on an alcohol diet the whole time I was there?!!!
Hi Chris - Have been away for a few days just caught up with the rest of your trip to Lebanon; W O W!!! You really had a royal reception at the "Rabbaths'" dinner!! It is good to see all of them again (for me that is..).
How does it feel being back home again??!!! I suppose I will hear all about it when I see you in LA in a couple of weeks. xx