I’ve been visiting Lebanon for the past 20 years, and somehow, it still finds ways to surprise me.

This time around, I spent my days mainly in Beirut, while popping around for day trips to Batroun, Jounieh, and Tripoli. Beirut, as always, maintains its own rhythm; a mix of loud conversations, music spilling out of cafés, and moments of unexpected calm tucked away in old-world alleys. Batroun is a gem; easygoing, full of charm, and great for a long lunch. Jounieh has a bit of everything, from coastal views, quaint cafes and shisha bars, and traffic that truly tests your patience. Meanwhile, Tripoli is all heart. Walking through old souks, chatting with vendors, eating way too much of everything; it feels like traveling into a different time while still being very much in the present.

Over the years I’ve visited the Cedar Valley, Baalbek, Tyre, Biblos, and a few villages in between. Although those places hold a special place in my heart, this trip reminded me that Lebanon isn’t just about ancient ruins and postcard views. It’s about the people. Considering everything the country has been through, somehow, no matter what’s going on, there’s always time for a coffee, a shared meal, or a quick laugh with a stranger.

Concerning food… I honestly don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Lebanese food. It’s not even about the fancy restaurants or trendy cafes. It’s the manoushe on the corner, the home-cooked dishes that your friends will insist you take seconds and thirds of, the smell of garlic and lemon in the air. You can taste the history and the pride in every dish.

There’s a certain comfort in returning to a place you’ve known for so long, but Lebanon never lets me get too comfortable. It’s always shifting, revealing new sides, new stories, new memories.