Summer in Beirut
Step into a voyage where the golden sun lovingly kisses the Mediterranean shores, where the scent of freshly baked manoushe and the lively chorus of cicadas fills the warm, balmy atmosphere. Welcome to Summer in Beirut - Alizée's 15 immersive art prints that portray daily scenes from a summer vacation in Lebanon through her eyes.
Personal project | Art print collection | 2023
Warm welcome at Rafic Hariri airport #1
Your trip is finally starting! You just landed in Beirut and cleared customs successfully. You immediately notice the ambient smell of cigarette smoke despite having seen many "no smoking" signs. Time to make your way outside the airport. As you walk, you can already feel the heat from the outside but you need to pass in front of the suitcase helpers dressed in blue and the line up of drivers holding signs with names first. You hear "Serviiiice?" from far away. Welcome to Lebanon!
The Serviiiice ride to Beirut #2 (left)
You made it out of the airport and you now need to get to Beirut. After negotiating with the driver that screamed at you the loudest, you get in the "serviiiice" car. It's an old Mercedes yet you notice that the leather interior is surprisingly well maintained. The drive starts. The Christian cross hanging from the rear-view mirror is swinging as the road gets bumpy. You catch a glimpse of the Mediterranean sea, palm trees and many billboards while a truck full of watermelons temporarily slows down traffic.
In line for manoushe #3 (right)
It's your first morning in Beirut and the jet lag is making your stomach rumble. Breakfast is needed … You go down to the bakery, the good one that has a wood fired oven operated by an older gentleman who has been making manoushe since you were born. There is a line up but you know it's worth waiting for. You get in line and think about your order: Zaatar w jebneh.
The sporting club chill #4
Even though the city is bustling, you are relaxed and feel like taking it easy today. You head to the iconic Sporting Club to sunbathe. You lounge while listening to the sound of waves crashing on the concrete slabs, while you try to loosely follow the conversation of the Arabic / French / English speaking fellow sunbathers: "Yiii tu ne devinera pas!? Mbere7, we went to Gemeyze w shefna…"
Lebanese shawarma delight #5 (left)
Where you live, you were never able to eat a proper Shawarma like they do it in Lebanon so you make sure to get some and head to the Shawarma shop. While you wait for your sandwich to be ready, you admire the skill of the cook thinly slicing pieces of meat from this meat tower. It smells like heaven. During your stay, you'll ensure to try both the chicken and the lamb shawarma.
Ma Fi Kahraba #6 (right)
Since you're still tired from jet lag you are taking it easy tonight. You stay inside and play cards (tarneeb) with your loved ones. All of a sudden, the room goes pitch black. “Yiii, n2ata3it el Karhaba" … “hala2 byeje el moteur” It only lasts a couple seconds, the generator took over and lights come back. Life resumes and you think "only in Lebanon"…
Kfar Abida adventure #7 (left)
You rent a car so you can drive around and explore further. You head north to a place called Kfar Abida just south of Batroun. On the way, you make sure to stop and buy a bottle of Batroun lemonade, it's the best over there. You arrive, get settled, and finally jump from the rocks into the clear water of the Mediterranean sea. So refreshing! Makes you feel alive.
Dekenet stop for Bonjus #8 (right)
You're about to drive back to Beirut but you need some refreshments as the sun is still going strong. You go into "Le Dekenet du coin". The owner is chilling on his chair surrounded by piles of produce and goods. You pick up a Bonjus and leave!
Qahwah in the mountains #9 (left)
The next day, you continue to explore and decide to stay a few days in the mountains. It's cooler there as the heat isn't as overwhelming as in the city. You are enjoying the views from the terrace while drinking your Arabic coffee in a small white cup with the typical red and green design. You are soaking in the peace which is a nice contrast from the city.
Saj in the mountains #10 (right)
A friend told you about a great place making Saj in the mountains not far from where you are staying. You drive there and you see this woman making Saj flatbreads on a very large Saj. There is a breeze, it's peaceful, surrounded by nature and the chants of the cicadas. You enjoy your freshly cooked Saj with Zaatar and fresh tomatoes, cucumber and black olives otherwise known as "Zaatar w Khodra" Pure bliss!
Beirut sunset party #11
After a few days in the mountains, you need to go back to Beirut since there is a party at the Sporting Club that many of your friends are going to. You can't miss it! You go and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the Mediterranean Sea from this unique place in the city. You grab a drink and listen to the DJ while your friends are dancing. Cool vibes.
Habibi come to Lebanon! #12 (left)
It's the day after the party, so you are pretty tired. You decide to go relax on the water to recover. You take a floatie and start lounging, the wind makes you drift… Wow you can almost see the whole city from where you are! Seems chaotic, yet you're peaceful on your floatie.
Tanning and smoking arguileh #13 (right)
You are back on shore, ready to leave the beach for the day. You pass by an older gentleman sitting in one of these iconic white plastic chair taking in the sunshine. His skin is super tanned. You wonder how long he spends in the sun. He has a little radio blasting Arabic songs and he is smoking arguileh. You stop to snap a picture.
Knefeh, sweet lebanese farewell #14 (left)
It’s Sunday morning, you are leaving Beirut tomorrow so you decide to treat yourself to a typical sweet Lebanese breakfast for your last day. You and your friends head to SeaSweet and order knefeh served in kaak bread (sesame bread). This is a very sweet and cheesy treat that will leave you quite full. You are satisfied. You can now leave Beirut…
Beirut in my cup #15 (right)
You're on the plane back home, but you reflect on the last couple weeks you just spent in Beirut. You look at pictures and laugh because of all the good times it reminds you of. You'll be taking all these memories home and a couple of these cute white cups with the red and green design. They will transport you back to Beirut every time you drink coffee from them. The end…
Prints available for purchase in my shop - alizeecastel.com
Thank you!
alizee@alizeecastel.com
