| |
|
| |
The official language of Lebanon is Arabic. However,
French and English are widely spoken. The Lebanese
are natural polyglots, bilingual, trilingual and
sometimes speak as many as four languages.
The international traveler will find no difficulty
whatsoever communicating with the locals.
|
|
| |
|
| |
World-class medical care is available in Lebanese
hospitals and clinics with internationally trained
doctors and most-up-to date treatment facilities.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Warm clothes in winter on the coast, with heavier clothing required for the mountains
where temperatures might drop below zero. Lightweight clothes in the summer everywhere
during the sunshine hours, but sweaters and jackets are needed in the mountains in the evening.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Few visitors to Lebanon can resist its handicrafts, either in the old style or tasteful modern adaptations of traditional designs. There is Pottery fashioned in the peasant manner, Glassware and Cutlery. Brass and Copper goods of all kinds have attractive handwork designs. Exotic Caftans and Abayas (a crossing between nightgown and housecoat) are always appreciated as gifts. Gold and Silver prices are really good as skillful local jewelers charge moderate prices for their work. As for clothing, everything is available from the top Paris designers to Jeans and Leisurewear.
Lebanon's shopping arcades and busy main streets are crammed with shops selling every necessity and luxury, both local and imported.
|
|
| |
|
| |
Driving is permitted for those carrying a current international driving license.
The road networks are constantly improving but, due to heavy traffic in Beirut and the suburbs,
it is advisable to hire taxicabs if you want to get there in a hurry.
|
| |
|
|
| |
There is
never too
little to do
in Lebanon.
Sidewalk
Cafes, movie
theaters,
restaurants,
night clubs,
late night
shopping,
gambling at
the
picturesque
“Casino Du
Liban” and
simply
walking
around
enjoying the
lovely
climate and
the scenery
can fill
every minute
of the day.
|
| |
|
|
| |
Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009
period.
|
|
2008
1 Jan
New Year's Day.
6 Jan
Orthodox Armenian Christmas.
10
Jan Islamic New Year.
19 Jan
Ashoura.
9 Feb Feast of St
Maroun.
20 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi
(Prophet's Birthday)
21 Mar Good
Friday.
23 Mar Easter Sunday.
25
Apr Orthodox Good Friday.
27
Apr Orthodox Easter.
1 May
Labour Day.
6 May Martyrs'
Day.
13 May Resistance and Liberation
Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the
Virgin.
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of
Ramadan).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
22
Nov Independence Day.
9 Dec Eid al-Adha
(Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas
Day.
29 Dec Islamic New
Year.
2009
1 Jan
New Year's Day.
6 Jan
Orthodox Armenian Christmas.
7 Jan
Ashoura.
9 Feb Feast of St
Maroun.
9 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi
(Prophet's Birthday).
10 Apr Good
Friday.
12 Apr Easter
Sunday.
17-20 Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labour Day.
6 May Martyrs'
Day.
25 May Resistance and Liberation
Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Virgin.
21
Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Nov
All Saints' Day.
22 Nov Independence
Day.
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the
Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Useful Travel Info 
