I have been working in Beirut Central District for quite a while now, and I have fatally fallen for the Capital’s charm! We have walked, so far, hand in hand through Byblos, Nejmeh Square, Beirut Souks, Hamra, and journeyed through the Bekaa for a taste of that seriously delicious Lebanese wine. I have deliberately gone through some minute details so as to give you the best picture of my country, and I sure hope I did. This time, I am inviting you to walk along the Capital’s shore for a different and maybe more sublime taste.

Just imagine yourself going out of your workplace – quite a fancy one actually – right next to Beirut Souks and walking through the streets among the fanciest restaurants, hotels and new buildings down to the quayside. I have made this short walk a habit of mine, for it is one of the most soothing after a long day’s work (especially if I do not feel like driving).

Down by the sea and along the boarded harbor lays the somewhat controversial Zaitounay Bay (roughly translated as Olive or Olive Tree Bay). The area has witnessed disputes between the Saint George Yacht Club and the giant Solidere, which was commissioned with re-designing and landscaping Beirut Central District, over the bay’s expansion. Despite the negativity, the area bloomed with Saint George inaugurating its pools and premises for massive parties and Solidere pushing the quayside into becoming an area of pedestrian activity, in the absence of parks and reserves. There, I fell in love with the simplicity of the architecture, the large black matte tiles, the green patches that light up that urban zone and the skyscrapers that illuminate the night sky and provide a hypnotizing backdrop. This location arouses luxury and the good life at its best. Swaying slightly in the water like massive metallic monsters, yachts; impressive and gleaming, decorate the port attracting nationals and tourists alike. Seventeen restaurants and cafes allow you to sit and relax while watching the sun set, pouring its jolly, warm rays into the Middle East’s greatest city.

I am sitting now at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at the far end of the quay sipping my coffee on a large, comfortable couch, outdoors. The panoramic view, to my right, is imposing and inspiring. Should I depict the scene that my eyes perceive? I would certainly tell you that I can feel peace and an intense sense of tranquility that it seems almost intangible. To my left, stands the new Yacht Club. I was given access once into that otherworldly dimension during an exhibition, I could not wrap my head around the perfect finishings; the leather couches, the state-of-the-art suites, the Louboutin watch – assembled under the direct supervision of Christian Louboutin - and the lavish entertainment area.

This summer had been a bit tedious for most Lebanese due to an environmental issue that had NGO’s leap from the shadows, trumpet their dissatisfaction and protest the ridiculous nonchalance that politicians have been displaying. Yet, despite the heaviness and the blatant corruption, the most resilient people on earth still walk the boarded dockside, party hard and work even harder. This is who we are.