This isn't anther survival guide or a post criticizing the country. This is just a post we're hoping others can relate to. An "I hear you" of sorts. If you're not from around here you're not alone, and while getting the most of life in Lebanon, as a foreigner isn't always easy, it's not impossible. These are a few things most people can relate to if they weren't born and raised in Lebanon.
Getting things done without a "wasta" takes 6 times longer
You can't cut in front of a queue, run red lights, and you definitely won't be stopping any traffic to get by. Applying for a job, university, or financial aid takes about two weeks and several trips begging for signatures, stamped paperwork, and ancient official documents. You'll never get anything done as fast as the amount of time it would if you knew some big shot that called the shots. So take the time to network. Chances are you'll know someone that knows someone that will cut you some slack one of these days. It's not succumbing to the things we hate most about Lebanon; it's learning to get by like a local and saving yourself some time.
People will always put themselves first
Many people worry about getting to their destination on time, even if that means cutting in front of you in line at the coffee shop, or cutting you off in traffic only to get stuck one car in front of where they initially were. You don't always have to be the nice guy. You'll eventually learn that the more people you let pass in front of you out of common courtesy, the more people start honking at you and cursing your great grandmother behind you.
People will stare you down no matter how hard you try to blend in
At first you'll be confused, then with each passing glare you'll be met with feelings of annoyance and self-consciousness. You'll more than likely feel like an outsider, but eventually you will learn to bask in your exotic foreign features.
How people manage to get anything done with so much traffic, terrible customer service, and so little time
Everyday is another headache in Lebanon. We get it, the locals get it, and just about everyone has experienced it in one form or another. Take it easy, keep your cool and don't let out all your frustrations about the slow Internet connection on the poor employee at Ogero. She's just trying to do her job. Easier said than done right? Trust me, I know. I just angrily hung up the phone with the neighborhood bakery because they were 35 minutes late with my breakfast for thinking I said the 8th floor instead of the 3rd. Hunger breeds crankiness.
People are over obsessed with marriage, having children, and maintaining the family name
If you're not from around here, you've probably had gatherings where the topic of marriage came up one too many times. That's because our society puts so much importance on it and looks down on anyone that isn't wed with children by a certain age. Marriage isn't for everyone, kids aren't for everyone and if you feel there are levels of success and career goals you'd like to achieve before you tie the knot, go right ahead and continue goal digging.
If you weren't born and raised in Lebanon, this quirky country may seem nearly impossible to live in but it's definitely worth giving it a try.
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