The Lebanese cedar tree has held cultural and economic significance throughout history and is the principal feature of the Lebanese flag. The Barouk forest is one of the largest reserves of cedars in the country. In this episode, Rana and Khaled chat about their hike to Barouk forest, which is located in the Chouf region. … Continue reading Episode 82 – Barouk cedar forest
Nature
Episode 45 – The Lebanon Mountain Trail
The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) is a long-distance hiking trail that runs the length of Lebanon. It extends from Andaket in northern Lebanon to Marjayoun in the south. The trail is 470 km long and passes through more than 75 towns and villages at altitudes ranging from 570 to 2,011 meters above sea level. The … Continue reading Episode 45 – The Lebanon Mountain Trail
Episode 44 – Ammiq Wetland
The Ammiq Wetland is the largest remaining freshwater wetland in Lebanon. It is a remnant of an extensive ecosystem of marshes and lakes that once existed in the Bekaa Valley. The swamp is one of the Lebanon's biodiversity hotspots and lies on one of the most important bird migration routes in the world. In this … Continue reading Episode 44 – Ammiq Wetland
Episode 30 – Lake Qaraoun
Lake Qaraoun is the largest body of water within Lebanon. The artificial lake is located in the Beqaa Valley, the most important agricultural area in the country. To create the lake, engineers dammed Lebanon's longest river, the Latani River, near the village of Qaraoun in 1959. The reservoir provides hydroelectricity and water to nearby municipalities … Continue reading Episode 30 – Lake Qaraoun
Episode 26 – Trip to Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island (which is also called Palm Island) is the largest island in an archipelago off the coast of Tripoli in north Lebanon. The island is part of an ecologically important nature preserve called the Palm Islands Nature Reserve. These islands are home to endangered animals such as green turtles and monk seals. About 150 … Continue reading Episode 26 – Trip to Rabbit Island
Episode 11 – Months and seasons of the year
The names of months and seasons of the year are used a lot in Lebanese conversations. We talk about them when discussing and planning trips, outings, events, and work. They also feature heavily when we discuss the weather. In this episode, Mariam introduces us to the Lebanese Arabic names of months and seasons and tells … Continue reading Episode 11 – Months and seasons of the year
Episode 3 – Jeita Grotto caves
The Jeita Grotto (Arabic: مغارة جعيتا) is one of Lebanon’s most famous natural wonders. It is a world-renowned system of interconnected limestone caves spanning about 9 kilometers, parts of which are only accessible by boat. Jeita Grotto is one of the most spectacular places in the world to see stalactites and stalagmites. Dareen tells us … Continue reading Episode 3 – Jeita Grotto caves
Episode 2 – Chouwen Lake
Mariam tells us about her trip to Chouwen Lake as part of her multi-part honeymoon around Lebanon. She describes the “Jannet Chouwen valley”, river, and lake as well as people she met and things she did during the trip. The lake is located in Ftouh Keserwan about 40 km away from Beirut. The stream that … Continue reading Episode 2 – Chouwen Lake