By Charlie Kadado
Egocentric? Self-centered? OK, you guys can call us whatever you want. We’re flaunting our Lebanese pride and we’re not ashamed to create a random top 11 list about it.
1.) Succulent Cuisine
Actually that vibrant 25-dish smorgasbord was just the mezza, the real food is on its way.
In the amount of time it takes to go skiing and swimming on the same day, at least one mouthwatering entrée makes it way to an already filled dinner table.
2.) Everlasting Hospitality
If we ate everything we were served, Lebanon would add “World’s Most Obese Country” to its list of achievements. Fortunately, our “class” and “elegance” forces us to keep food on our plate, so it doesn’t look like we’re voracious.
*Puts a napkin over the food*
“You want more?”
“No thank you.”
“OK, here’s more.”
3.) Sensational Singers
We’re known for a medley of music from Fairouz to Haifa.
But one quick question: Is it against the law to exclude the word “habibi” from a song?
4.) Religious Diversity
18 religions somehow fit in land smaller than the size of Connecticut. It sounds like the perfect ingredient for religious conflict and fighting. Luckily, we’re still alive.
But really, think about it: We share more similarities than we do differences.
5.) ‘We are (one big global) family’
[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBpYgpF1bqQ” width=”500″ height=”300″]
“Lebnani w matrah matrouh, hamel watanak, aleb w rouh.”
If you’re lucky enough to find another Lebanese immigrant, you make instant friends.
6.) Dashingly Elegant
Pondering the food on her plate, she uses her fork to relocate her meal into different regions of the plate, acting as if she took a bite. That’s supposed to be elegant.
Varied with French-inspired sophistication and European chic, Lebanese women have garnered a dangerous combination of grace and glamour. They are also commanding creators of one hell of a bloodline.
For the record, “No makeup” means there is less makeup than usual.
7.) Natural Wonders
“VOTE FOR JEITA GROTTO”
Yeah, we’ve heard it before. Just vote for the whole damn country, because the whole thing is pretty much a natural wonder.
8.) Unwavering Resilience
Through thick and thin, Lebanese resilience pulls through with unwavering strength and an eternal backbone that will never perish. The Lebanese boast enduring spirits that have survived decades of war. They have enough spirit to go to the nightclub on Friday, even though they don’t even have a president.
9.) Trilingual Talk
“Hi! Keefik? Ca va?”
Nuff said.
10.)Home of the Phoenicians
Phoenicians were brilliant traders and builders, sailors and business people. We still are.
Phoenicians invented the alphabet. Imagine life without ABC’s.
11.)Amal Alamuddin
George Clooney engaged the whole country when Amal became his fiancée. Lebanese Parliament can’t agree on a president, but who cares, Clooney engaged Amal! May the frenzy continue….
But really, we are pretty awesome. We’re so awesome that we linked a list of famous Lebanese-Americans here.