Siren's Call

Greece, with its entire unfortunate economical debt crisis it has been going through since 2009, it is still my favorite place to travel to from such a short distance – Beirut, Lebanon.

This year I traveled to Greece in June to visit a friend in Athens for a few days and then in July to visit two islands to promote Greece as one of the most popular vacation spots. Although there were strikes in the city center, we were 30 minutes away on the beach catching some rays and free WIFI at Astir beach. While lounging and enjoying a good book, all of a sudden big black clouds obscures the clear blue skies, bringing on rain descending on our bikini-clad bodies. All took cover under the umbrellas waiting for the clouds to pass; some took to the sea swimming with carefree laughter. It was amazing looking on the contrast of people’s reactions.

When explaining Greece to my friends, I always mention that you get to explore two different worlds; the historical city where even the sea has a siren’s pull calling you to dive in its fresh clear waters and ofcorse the islands. When choosing an island, I tend to pick a new one each time; there are after all 6000 islands and islets.

Come July, I was looking forward to some island hopping. And this year Crete was the winner for some chic spa relaxation; of course it comes right after Mykonos’ beach parties. Who would ever miss out on cosmopolitan Mykonos!

Mykonos oh Mykonos while small it sure packs a big punch of heart throbbing dance moves. Staying at Kivotos hotel was serene with an old style setting. They even had Shakira and her beau staying in their villa, which was pretty amazing as I had just seen her in concert in Beirut in May.

Whether you are the type who likes to zoom on a mo-ped or play it safe driving a car around the island, always remember to bring something warm when the sun sets, as it can be windy at times. There is much to do in Mykonos, walks through the narrow streets of town for shopping of brand names, souvenirs, restaurants, cafes and pubs scattered along white and blue-shuttered two story buildings. Our evening started with sushi and lots of cold saki, but this time nobody drove as we were as the locals say "methismenos". We grab a cab and head out as the night only continues on to Super Paradise Club for some after hour clubbing until the sun rises; make sure to bring your sunglasses you’ll need them to safeguard that the pictures you’ll be taking won’t have you looking like Kermit the frog with puffy ‘beer’ goggled eyes.

Embarking onto the next island Crete, heading out to Capsis resort, a 20-minute drive from the airport while admiring the scenery from the back seat window of the car; cruising through winding roads, you can sense the calmness in the air, the picturesque mountains and rows upon rows of pine trees passing to my left while I turn and look down at the stretch of sea leaving behind Heraklion. Capsis Resort a unique peninsula with 5 hotels surrounded by a botanical park. We spent 3 tranquil days of sun, having little fish swim around my legs with a clear view of my pink colored toes and as for the Cretan cuisine at one of their restaurants, makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Before our last day the long awaited day at the spa leaves us feeling revitalized.

The next morning we decide to drive to the northern coast of Crete; Elounda Peninsula resort, an hour drive, was our next destination. Did I mention that one of the best spas in the world, the six senses spa, was where we were headed! Oh yes, I couldn’t wait until I got their signature treatment as well as enjoying the Turkish hammam. With such an extraordinary day at the spa, I was energized enough to wake up before dawn. Stepping out to the private deck of the suite enclosed by 2 walls on each side, all you see ahead is the bay of the Aegean Sea as far as the eye can see. I sit at the edge of the lounge chair watching the sunrise over the horizon as the last glimmers of the stars disappear.  Words cannot describe how magical it felt, it will always be etched in my mind. Realizing how private and quite my surroundings were, I look down where a winding staircase leading to rocks and sea inspired a little devilish grin to test the waters. With such complete privacy, except for some anchored boats, I look left and right…hell it’s all about adventures!

3al Zeituni (Al Zeituni)

Christmas in Beirut is full of traffic and festival lights; and if you are a holiday gift shopper procrastinator like me, I would suggest not doing them over the weekend!

A movie on a Sunday is what I thought would be a better idea, than getting trampled by weekend shoppers. Was it ever a bad idea, as everyone decided to hit the malls. Why should I have had a surprised look on my face, I’m a local for crying out loud! 

Luckily enough my friend suggested we head out to ‘Zeituni Bay’ meaning the olive bay. Apparently during the 60’s, Zeituni Bay was known for its more promiscuous umm shopping (red light district anyone). Walking between the temporarily erected cabin like shops, I did not spot any ‘wanton’ wears except for some great gift ideas. We reached the end of the shops and took a turn down the stairs into the bay’s walkway and newly opened cafes. We grabbed a couple of hot chamomile teas and something to munch on from PAUL café and took them to sit across from the yachts. Oh this is nice, it reminds me of San Francisco and Nice but on a smaller scale. The combination of the quiet breeze, the lights and the Christmas caroling speakers in the background and enjoying the conversation while gazing on to dark waters was meditation central.

Walking back, we encounter friends deciding to join their party at Cappuccino café. If you have been to Glyfada, Greece you’ll know that when you say café it’s usually alcohol, food, great music and open-air views. Cappuccino had all the above to offer except for the music. The get off your seats and start jumping music while the beat keeps hitting on your nerves, brings shivers down my spine and not in a good way. Come on it’s Sunday night, we are at a café, some soft music for the patrons to enjoy and be able to actually hear each other talk without sounding deaf and keep saying WHAT?!!? 

I did finally ask them to lower the music in which they were kind enough to do. Now that I’m able to hear my thoughts and for the waiter to hear our orders, the ladies started off with a pitcher of champaign and fruit. Being a good girl and only craving something sweet to share; my friend and I ordered 2 teas and…hold on to your tongues…caramel banana whipped cream and shaved chocolate on a crusted pie. Yes, it was a piece of heavenly pie that we just had to order another one. My trainer is going to kill me! 

Skylights of Beirut

Captain's log...ah couldn't resist :p

For those who know Beirut from books and bad media, need a dose of fun truths.

Beirut is one big party city, where your night begins by having dinner at 9/10pm, pub at 11/12am and clubbing until...well it really depends on how long your body can hold up. A true Lebanese will be doing this every night of the week especially when they have voyageurs (travelers). Oh and don't forget breakfast at Zaatar o Zeit.

The most beautiful thing about Lebanon is that it's small and everything is close by and you can totally go out on your own always bumping into someone you know. I remember those days when I had a much younger spirit and my body could take the 7 nights a week party mode. Now 2 nights in a row I feel like the drums will never stop and all I want to do is stay in bed and die. Ok so I’m exaggerating a tad but I'm sure a lot of my peeps will give me the thumbs up with their lopsided grin.

So here goes, my 2-night fling with Beirut.

Wednesday night was the opening of Iris' 'indoors' pub, which was spectacular. As you get off the elevator on the 8th FL and walk opposite their rooftop, a young lady greets you to either your table or the bar. At first you feel like you're coming home for its friendly atmosphere, and the decor is so cozy and chic. Then when you take a seat at the bar you look out across the stacked bottles out to the skylights of Beirut's mini skyscrapers. The words that described the feeling were New York!

The company - you know who you are, the food, the drinks as always were great.

The next night was BO18 80's night that happens every Thursday. This, my friends, was a first for me as it has been a year since I've been to BO18. I was a bit disappointed as they changed the original setting as I walked in. Sitting down on a square like cushion, a flashback of red velvet drapes, square shaped coffin seats, rotating Dracula barstools and dark lighting made the heart go wild.
The place started filling up by midnight while Depeche Mode played, they started giving out funny looking glasses, boas, hats and big hair. Nobody could resist the music; everyone was dancing while adorning the giveaways posing for pictures. It was hilariously fun and we have the pictures to prove it!

Well I'm glad the sun is out today, even the weather lets up quickly as there's barely any distance for the clouds to travel over Lebanon.

A day in Jbeil (Byblos)

What a beautiful sunny morning I woke up to. Living in Lebanon for the past 7 years, getting close to Christmas time, I appreciate it when the weather is sunny, fresh and what better way to spend a lovely midweek adventure because of a public holiday; a day in Jbeil is what the Dr. recommends.  Now getting my mom excited with the notion of my so called adventure was surprisingly easy – I mean who would say no?!

Ok so let me give you a bit of a history lesson: Jbeil or the Greek name Byblos which the word Bible is also derived from. Byblos has the reputation of being the oldest city in the world dating back to the 3^rd millennium. The Phoenicians also known as ‘purple traders’ built their city in Byblos which was one of the most popular ports on the Mediterranean.

Going back to my 40-minute drive with traffic up to the coast of Jbeil, I was happy to have my mum with me telling stories of times passed.

Although sunny, the soft cool breeze reminded me we had to bundle up for our walk. It was a wonderful marvel to stroll amongst ruins of a lost civilization; they created the alphabet, the color purple and majestic ships.

Continuing on to the old shops, restaurants and cafes, we kept walking down the cobblestoned road where you can spot the castle built by crusaders.  Remembering it now just takes my breath away, especially when the view cascades all the way down to the port of Jbeil bordered by the blue sea, which reflected the suns rays. The only disappointing thing is the decrease of tourists in the wintertime but other than that it was a picture perfect moment.

Hoping that next weeks weather will be as wonderful, a trip to Saida/Sidon to explore the old souks as well should be interesting as I’ve never been. Until then!

Hello

Heyyy travel bloggers, welcome to my world :)

A good friend inspired the name while another pumped me up to start writing.

Now the blog name which always results to Captain Kirk's voice droning in my head accent and all "Captain's Log, Starfleet command had just encountered new alien species hailing from Nebulon..."

Well Captain James I hope my travel encounters will be as interesting as yours.

Enjoy!