Beirut Birthday

This weekend I celebrated my 32nd birthday here in Beirut. It was quite the experience. Another teacher shared the same birthday so on Friday after school a lot of teachers met out at a neighborhood establishment. It was amazing to sit back and think how in less than two months how many new friends we have made. Shelly, another teacher, put the whole thing together for us. Annie, a new teacher, made us cupcakes that her and her fiancé brought to the bar. The bartender had candles that Jesse, another teacher put in out cupcakes and everyone sang. It was another great chance to talk to different people who have had so many incredible experiences.

Saturday, Gretchen found an amazing hidden gem from another woman at school. It was called la plage. It was a great pool right on the sea. We hung out there all day-after doing an intense ball cushion work out in the morning at Exhale, and mimosas and breakfast made by Ryan. The pool was so nice, not too glitzy but still very classy. We were so excited to find it, and then we asked and they told us it was closing for the year Monday, which is crazy because it is still hot out. I will say it was the first time I ever celebrated my birthday at a pool. 

That night a few of us went out to dinner in Gemmayzeh, another neighborhood near downtown, which is like a ten minute ride.  The place we went to was found by Gretchen called the gathering. The restaurant is three old Lebanese houses that are a wine bar, Italian food and a butcher. Everyone sits out in the courtyard and you can order from any of the three. It was great food and an even better atmosphere celebrated with great friends.

As I write this and reflect on this weekend, I can't help but feel so lucky. As all the happy birthday wishes came in from my friends, family and ex students back home, and I hung out with some great new friends I know Ryan and I made an excellent choice to take on this adventure. 

 Amazing graffiti!

 Great new friends, going around the table starting with me, Gretchen, Ryan, Mike, Fabio, Phil, Shawn, Julie, and Jesse

 Delicious cheese plate!