On a daily basis we are fed by information via tv media, news, social media and more. I have always been one that wants to experience things and places for myself. I have a bucket list of places I would like to visit in my lifetime.

My Story

My Grandparents immigrated from Lebanon, and my parents lived here in CA, most people wouldn’t consider the country a vacation spot, torn apart over a 30 year war and so much things going on, and the last place you would consider a vacation spot based on the media.

I got to experience it for myself by going there with my family to see where my grandparents originated from, and my experience squashed the perception everyone has about the country. We visited the capital of Beirut and my grandparents’ old home in a small town let me tell you it was very different than here

One thing for sure, the country has no dessert in sight, it’s in the only country in the middle east without a desert. Capped with beautiful mountains and gorgeous coastlines along the mediterranean sea, I really enjoyed my vacation with my family.

My Experience

Filled with doubt, I didn’t expect much. I was a little nervous and scared based on what I read online and saw in the news but I was assured that things aren’t always what they seem.

We visited museums, the Baalbek ruins, enjoyed long days at the beach, hiked large mountains and saw the cedar trees of Lebanon. I never once felt unsafe although I was worried.

My family was with me the entire time. The people that are usually shown on the news look angry, however I experienced english speaking people throughout Lebanon that are very welcoming and friendly. It really confirmed to me that experience always matters, and preception isn’t everything.

My Worry

As we are fed information on a daily basis about different areas and different people in the news, I worry that people give too much attention to what information we are given. I worry about being afraid of trying different things or visiting different places because they are labeled as so many different things.

In Summary

Life is an experience in itself, I believe we should go beyond our comfort zone to really experience things for ourselves and see beyond what we are told is acceptable. It’s an adventure in itself to visit, see and learn new things and not let fear control our perception and mind. Experience things for yourself.