Middle East - Anthony Ham [383]
American University of Beirut (Map; 01-374 444; www.aub.edu/lb/cames)
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
See Travel Warning: Staying Safe (Click here) for information on dangers and annoyances in Lebanon.
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EMBASSIES & CONSULATES
Nationals of New Zealand should contact the UK embassy for assistance.
It’s worth noting that at the time of research historic plans were afoot for the opening of a Syrian embassy in Beirut. Keep an eye out for developments on this front, but, as many Lebanese sceptics say, don’t hold your breath.
Australia (Map; 01-974 030; Serail Hill, Downtown, Beirut)
Canada (off Map; 04-710 591; Coolrite Bldg, Autostrade, Jal ad-Dib, Beirut)
Egypt (Map; 01-867 917; Rue Thomas Edison, off Rue Verdun, Ramlet al-Bayda)
France (Map; 01-420 000; Rue de Damas) Near the National Museum.
Germany ( 04-914 444; near Jesus & Mary School, Mtaileb, Rabieh, Beirut)
Italy (Map; 01-985 200; Place d’Etoile, Downtown, Beirut)
Jordan ( 05-922 501; Rue Elias Helou, Baabda, Beirut)
Netherlands (Map; 01-204 663; Netherlands Tower, Achrafiye, Beirut)
UK (Map; 01-990 400; Serail Hill, Downtown, Beirut)
US ( 04-543 600; Awkar, PO Box 70-840 Antelias) Opposite the Municipality.
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FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Many towns and villages host their own small festivals, which range from local fairs to full-on folkloric performances. The major arts festivals are listed here.
February
Al-Bustan Festival (www.albustanfestival.com) An annual festival held for five weeks in Beit Mery (north of Beirut). Daily events feature opera, chamber music and orchestral concerts.
July & August
Baalbek Festival (www.baalbeck.org.lb) Lebanon’s most famous arts festival; held at the Roman ruins. Features opera, jazz, poetry and pop, and theatre productions.
Beiteddine Festival (www.beiteddine.org.lb) Music, dance and theatre held in the beautiful courtyard of the Beiteddine Palace.
Byblos International Festival (www.byblosfestival.org) Held in August among the ruins of Byblos’s ancient harbour – includes pop, classic, opera and world music.
October
Beirut International Marathon (www.beirutmarathon.org) Also includes wheelchair events.
Beirut International Film Festival (www.beirutfilmfoundation.org) High-profile film festival with a growing reputation as one of the best in the Middle East.
November & December
Docudays (www.docudays.net) The wonderful Beirut International Documentary Festival, held every November or December, sees international audiences flock to the city.
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GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
See the boxed text Gay and Lesbian Beirut (Click here) for details, information and resources.
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HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day 1 January
Feast of Saint Maroun 9 February – feast of the patron saint of the Maronites
Easter March/April – Good Friday to Easter Monday inclusive
Labour Day 1 May
Martyrs’ Day 6 May
Assumption 15 August
All Saints Day 1 November
Independence Day 22 November
Christmas Day 25 December
Also observed are Muslim holidays; Click here for dates.
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MONEY
Lebanon’s currency is the Lebanese lira (LL), also known locally as the Lebanese pound. Banknotes are of the following denominations: 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000; there are also LL250 and LL500 coins.
US dollars are widely accepted countrywide, and higher-end establishments rarely quote prices in anything else.
ATMs are reliable and available countrywide, and dispense cash in both Lebanese lira and US dollars.
Budget hotels and restaurants generally do not accept credit cards. Tipping is widespread in Lebanon. For professional guides, hotel porters and parking valets tipping somewhere around LL2000 or more, depending on the level of service, will be appreciated. Waiters are usually tipped around 10%, but check your bill before doing so, since some places automatically add a 15% service