When Khaled is not sure what he should get Hala for her birthday, Rana suggests an unusual gift; traditional Lebanese soap. At first he questions if i... Continue reading Episode 79 – Traditional hand soap
Episode 78 – Skit: Dinner Party Planning
Two flatmates, Rana and Dalia, are inviting some friends over for dinner. They are discussing what food to prepare. They will be a big group so the tw... Continue reading Episode 78 – Skit: Dinner Party Planning
Episode 77 – Graffiti
Graffiti art has witnessed a renaissance in Lebanon in the past several years. New colorful works of street art celebrate the country’s resilience a... Continue reading Episode 77 – Graffiti
Episode 76 – Religious fasting
Rea and Mariam are leaving work early when Rea suggests that they get shawarma for lunch because she is craving meat after the end of the Christian fa... Continue reading Episode 76 – Religious fasting
Episode 75 – Skit: trip to the beach
Nadine and Lama were told about a lovely hidden beach in Naqoura, a beautiful coastal city in the south of Lebanon. They went there early in the day a... Continue reading Episode 75 – Skit: trip to the beach
Episode 74 – Lebanese beaches
The sun is out and so is Khaled! He calls Rana asking for her suggestions, as he is planning a trip to the beach with his siblings. They go over the m... Continue reading Episode 74 – Lebanese beaches
Episode 73 – Lebanese movies
Lebanese movies are recently achieving a growing success and many have been nominated for international awards. These movies are a great way to know m... Continue reading Episode 73 – Lebanese movies
Episode 72 – Dabke dance
Dabke is a popular Levantine folk dance and often performed at weddings and other happy celebrations. It is a major part of Lebanese heritage that con... Continue reading Episode 72 – Dabke dance
Episode 71 – Mother’s Day
Mother's day in the Middle East is celebrated on March 21. In this episode, Mariam hosts her mom and asks about her early years raising a family durin... Continue reading Episode 71 – Mother’s Day
Episode 70 – Skit: Taxi or service?
Bouchra and Dima are hanging out at a coffee shop in the popular Hamra neighborhood in Beirut. As they are getting ready to leave, Bouchra mentions sh... Continue reading Episode 70 – Skit: Taxi or service?
Episode 69 – Ziad Rahbani
Ziad Rahbani, the talented son of Lebanese musical icons Fairouz and Assi Rahbani, grew up to be a composer, playwright, pianist, and political commen... Continue reading Episode 69 – Ziad Rahbani
Episode 68 – Masculine and feminine words
Masculine and feminine words are two key elements in mastering the Arabic language. Knowing the gender of Arabic words allows us to be more understood... Continue reading Episode 68 – Masculine and feminine words
Episode 67 – Farewells
Every year large numbers of Lebanese leave the country to study, find new work opportunities, or escape the economic and political challenges that Leb... Continue reading Episode 67 – Farewells
Episode 66 – Maté
The delicious maté drink is quite popular in Lebanon and the Levant region. Maté is traditionally a Latin American drink. As Lebanese emigration to ... Continue reading Episode 66 – Maté
Episode 65 – Skit: clothes shopping
Aya is shopping for a dress for her friend’s wedding. She is excited to check out a clothing boutique a friend recommended. The first dress she like... Continue reading Episode 65 – Skit: clothes shopping
Episode 64 – Skit: get-together
Siham is at a house party in Beirut where she only knows the busy host who is a longtime friend from university. Another guest, Sarah, knows several p... Continue reading Episode 64 – Skit: get-together
Episode 63 – Sursock Museum
Sursock Museum is one of the most prominent museums in Beirut. It represents an important landmark of the city’s art scene. Not only does it have a ... Continue reading Episode 63 – Sursock Museum
Episode 62 – Demonstratives (this vs. that)
Mariam joins forces with Leen to tell us about the grammatical concept of demonstratives, which help us differentiate objects, events, and people in r... Continue reading Episode 62 – Demonstratives (this vs. that)
Episode 61 – Skit: anniversary dinner
Layal and Nadim go to a fancy seafood restaurant in downtown Beirut to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. Layal has second thoughts about go... Continue reading Episode 61 – Skit: anniversary dinner
Episode 60 – Skit: Ph.D. candidate
Layla recently finished her master’s degree in Spain and is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. program at the Lebanese University. She wants to know abo... Continue reading Episode 60 – Skit: Ph.D. candidate
Episode 59 – Skit: hotel reservation
Fadi and his family decided to spend next weekend in a hotel by the beach in Byblos. He is calling to book the rooms. Farah, the hotel receptionist, a... Continue reading Episode 59 – Skit: hotel reservation
Episode 58 – Happy New Year!
Undoubtedly 2020 was a tough year. We faced a global pandemic, political and economic upheaval, as well as natural and man-made disasters. We hope tha... Continue reading Episode 58 – Happy New Year!
Episode 57 – Christmas in Lebanon
Christmas as a holiday is celebrated around the globe but there is always room for cultural differences in celebrations, tales, and customs. Lebanese ... Continue reading Episode 57 – Christmas in Lebanon
Episode 56 – Skit: debate about smartphones
Marwan and Katia are chatting when an incoming phone message alert interrupts their conversation. The interruption sparks a discussion about how smart... Continue reading Episode 56 – Skit: debate about smartphones
Episode 55 – Art on vehicles
Join Mariam and Naim as they travel through Lebanon noting the art and slogans on cars, buses, trucks, and vans. Learn about this cultural and artisti... Continue reading Episode 55 – Art on vehicles
Episode 54 – Skit: sharing household chores
On a Sunday morning, a new married couple, Nabil and Samar are having coffee in the kitchen and discussing their plans for the day. They have lunch pl... Continue reading Episode 54 – Skit: sharing household chores
Episode 53 – Skit: job interview
Khaled is waiting outside the office of the Director of the National Theatre of Lebanon to be called in for a job interview. He applied a few weeks ag... Continue reading Episode 53 – Skit: job interview
Episode 52 – Skit: exploring a neighborhood
Rami and Tala are walking in Beirut on a Sunday morning and decide to explore one of Beirut’s old neighborhoods, Zoqaq El Blat. Tala went to school ... Continue reading Episode 52 – Skit: exploring a neighborhood
Episode 51 – Skit: first date
Karim and Ola are meeting for the first time in a cafe. A mutual friend set them up on a blind date. Karim is already waiting for her inside the cafe.... Continue reading Episode 51 – Skit: first date
Episode 50 – Lebanon’s defunct train system
Rail transport began in Lebanon in the 1890s while it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Over time, rail lines were built along the entire length of the ... Continue reading Episode 50 – Lebanon’s defunct train system
Episode 49 – Expressions for life events
There are expressions that help us express what we feel at important life events such as births, birthdays, professional successes, weddings, and fune... Continue reading Episode 49 – Expressions for life events
Episode 48 – Colloquial Lebanese words (2)
In this episode, Leen introduces twenty colloquial words that are often used in Lebanon. These words and expressions help express thoughts and ideas a... Continue reading Episode 48 – Colloquial Lebanese words (2)
Episode 47 – Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian dialects
Levantine dialects across Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine share much in common but also have noticeable differences. The Levantine dialects are importan... Continue reading Episode 47 – Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian dialects
Episode 46 – Proverbs (shoes and favors)
Has someone ever helped you with a favor and then reminded you time and again about it to the point you wish you never accepted the offer? Or has bein... Continue reading Episode 46 – Proverbs (shoes and favors)
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 Marja... 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 exi... Continue reading Episode 44 – Ammiq Wetland
Episode 43 – Colloquial Lebanese words
Lebanese use lots of words that are distinct from Modern Standard Arabic and other Arabic dialects. Spoken Lebanese Arabic developed and continues to ... Continue reading Episode 43 – Colloquial Lebanese words
Episode 42 – Driving in Lebanon
Driving in Lebanon is not for the faint-hearted. Unfortunately, its not uncommon to see people driving the wrong way down streets, cutting in front of... Continue reading Episode 42 – Driving in Lebanon
Episode 41 – Sounds of the sea
Ain el Mreisseh is an old seafront neighborhood in Beirut. In the last few decades new tall buildings and a thoroughfare along the shore blocked views... Continue reading Episode 41 – Sounds of the sea
Episode 40 – Five proverbs
Proverbs come in handy when we want to give advice about something in the future or point out something in the past that in hindsight seems obvious. F... Continue reading Episode 40 – Five proverbs
Episode 39 – Lebanese emigration
For generations Lebanese citizens have emigrated across the world to seek better business or job opportunities, higher education, and safety from conf... Continue reading Episode 39 – Lebanese emigration
Episode 38 – The Beirut Port explosion
A powerful explosion at the Beirut Port ravaged the Lebanese capital on August 4, 2020. The massive blast devastated hundreds of lives and left more t... Continue reading Episode 38 – The Beirut Port explosion
Episode 37 – Street food in Tripoli
Sampling the street food of a city is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city's culture. In this episode, we go on a food adventure with ou... Continue reading Episode 37 – Street food in Tripoli
Episode 36 – Economic hardship
Lebanon's is experiencing a profound economic crisis that began before massive protests rocked the country in October 2019. Since then the coronavirus... Continue reading Episode 36 – Economic hardship
Episode 35 – Lebanese idioms
Ever heard a Lebanese phrase or expression that sounded awkward or did not make sense? For example, has someone ever asked you in Lebanese Arabic not ... Continue reading Episode 35 – Lebanese idioms
Episode 34 – Coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic is a historic health crisis that has affected Lebanon and every other country around the world. Unfortunately, Lebanon was al... Continue reading Episode 34 – Coronavirus
Episode 33 – Beit Beirut
In the heart of Beirut along one of its most important avenues is a yellow building that was situated on a major front line of Lebanon's 15-year civil... Continue reading Episode 33 – Beit Beirut
Episode 32 – Traditional handicrafts
Handicraft making is a popular profession in Lebanon. It reflects the traditional and artistic face of the country. Some families have specialized in ... Continue reading Episode 32 – Traditional handicrafts
Episode 31 – Sabah
Sabah is one of Lebanon's most iconic singers and movie stars. She is famous for the beauty and power of her voice and her larger than life persona bo... Continue reading Episode 31 – Sabah
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 ... Continue reading Episode 30 – Lake Qaraoun
Episode 29 – Mouneh (food provisions)
For generations Lebanese people have prepared food provisions ("mouneh") to last them until spring when snow covered fields and roads would be accessi... Continue reading Episode 29 – Mouneh (food provisions)
Episode 28 – Moussa Castle
When Moussa Abdel Karim Al Maamari was a young boy he had a crush on a girl. She said she was not interested in him because he was poor and she was ri... Continue reading Episode 28 – Moussa Castle
Episode 27 – Two common proverbs
Has someone you know acted petty even when they have everything they need? Or have you ever been surprised that everyone around you does not see the o... Continue reading Episode 27 – Two common proverbs
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... Continue reading Episode 26 – Trip to Rabbit Island
Episode 25 – Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah
Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah was a Lebanese inventor who made significant scientific contributions in the fields of electrical engineering, solar energy, an... Continue reading Episode 25 – Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah
Episode 24 – Traditional village weddings
Traditional village weddings in Lebanon are a multiday affair with diverse cultural traditions that vary by region. In the mountains and valleys beyon... Continue reading Episode 24 – Traditional village weddings
Episode 23 – Public transportation
Lebanon's public transportation sector is made up of a hodgepodge of official and informal buses, minivans, and taxis. Most have known (but not well m... Continue reading Episode 23 – Public transportation
Episode 22 – Plastic waste
Plastic waste is a global problem that is growing by the day. Discarded plastic items are polluting cities, rural areas, rivers, and seas. Like most c... Continue reading Episode 22 – Plastic waste
Episode 21 – Arabized French words
French words form an integral part of the Lebanese dialect. This influence stems from France's 23 years of mandate rule over Lebanon after World War I... Continue reading Episode 21 – Arabized French words
Episode 20 – Olive picking
Olives hold a significant role in Lebanese culture due to their agricultural, culinary, and health benefits. The harvesting and storing of olives stil... Continue reading Episode 20 – Olive picking
Episode 19 – Beirut’s “Qabadayat”
Back in the day, the streets of Beirut’s neighborhoods were often watched over and protected by men known as “Qabadayat”, which roughly translat... Continue reading Episode 19 – Beirut’s “Qabadayat”
Episode 18 – Folktales from once upon a time
Folktales and other story telling traditions are found all over the world. Lebanese culture is especially rich with folktales that have been passed do... Continue reading Episode 18 – Folktales from once upon a time
Episode 17 – Faraya and nearby attractions
Faraya is a famous Lebanese village and winter sport destination located high in the mountains. Its snowy winters and mild summers make it a popular d... Continue reading Episode 17 – Faraya and nearby attractions
Episode 16 – Wildfires
Wildfires are a common phenomenon around the world and can profoundly affect economies, nature, and people. Lebanon, like many other countries, is occ... Continue reading Episode 16 – Wildfires
Episode 15 – Two common proverbs
Common proverbs and their origin stories provide a perspective to understand a country’s culture, values, and sometimes their old customs. In this e... Continue reading Episode 15 – Two common proverbs
Episode 14 – Sidon (Gateway to the South)
Sidon is Lebanon's third largest city. It is referred to as Saida within Lebanon. Located along the Mediterranean coast, this bustling ancient metropo... Continue reading Episode 14 – Sidon (Gateway to the South)
Episode 13 – Arabized Turkish words
Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire for about 400 years and, naturally, Lebanese people absorbed many Turkish words from that time. Although Ottoma... Continue reading Episode 13 – Arabized Turkish words
Episode 12 – Hamra Street
Hamra Street is one of the liveliest areas in Beirut. It has a storied history as a center of commerce, performing arts, and social activity. The stre... Continue reading Episode 12 – Hamra Street
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, ... Continue reading Episode 11 – Months and seasons of the year
Episode 10 – Beiteddine
Beiteddine Palace is a 19th-century palace in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It was built during the Ottoman Empire by Emir Bashir II who ruled the Mount Lebano... Continue reading Episode 10 – Beiteddine
Episode 9 – Elie Saab
Elie Saab is a Lebanese fashion designer. He started his career in the early 1980s and specialized in bridal couture and haute couture. He has worksho... Continue reading Episode 9 – Elie Saab
Episode 8 – Salwa Al Katrib
Salwa Al Katrib was a Lebanese singer and stage actress best known for her roles in Emerald Princess and Mountain Girl ('Bent Al Jabal'). She was born... Continue reading Episode 8 – Salwa Al Katrib
Episode 7 – Four common proverbs
In this episode we will be speaking about a few common proverbs used in Lebanon. Proverbs are used a lot in the Lebanese dialect and daily con... Continue reading Episode 7 – Four common proverbs
Episode 6 – Modern poetry scene
Lebanon has a small but vibrant poetry scene. In Beirut and other cities you can find poetry reading nights, open mic events, and local poetry magazin... Continue reading Episode 6 – Modern poetry scene
Episode 5 – Three popular music festivals
Lebanon hosts several major music festivals each year in different cities and parts of the country. Three of the most popular festivals are the Byblos... Continue reading Episode 5 – Three popular music festivals
Episode 4 – Proverb: A handful of lentils
There is a popular proverb people use in Lebanon when others comment about something without knowing the real story behind it. It translates as “Tho... Continue reading Episode 4 – Proverb: A handful of lentils
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 intercon... 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”, rive... Continue reading Episode 2 – Chouwen Lake
Episode 1 – Mezza
Mezza is a traditional Lebanese starter meal eaten with friends and family. It includes a variety of starter dishes and salads. The appetizers are ser... Continue reading Episode 1 – Mezza