Xmas in Beirut

It seems that most 20-something Lebanese in the UK and the US plan on being in Lebanon for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

I've received many emails asking if I'll be returning from Lebanese abroad. Many people have already purchased their tickets. I've already received invitations to New Year's parties, and it's months away.

Even my Egyptian friends are petitioning me to return at the end of December, regardless of work obligations or the expense.

We'll see. My life changes by the minute, but at this particular junction I'm strongly, fervently leaning towards a December holiday in Lebanon.

It will be strange, since I plan to move back in February. But I guess I'll be able to view Lebanon from the position of the expatriate/ tourist for the first time: ie, the Lebanon of parties and fun, not the Lebanon of politics and daily hastle. I've always wanted it that way. We'll see if that happens.