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!