So I Moved to Lebanon
It’s been ages since I posted, I know! Things have been pretty busy with everything going on, and it also prompted me to take a much needed digital break.
But in case you don’t follow me on Instagram or YouTube, here is what you missed!
I moved to Beirut, Lebanon.
Lebanon is a stunning country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich culture and history, incredible food, and beautiful scenery. It is unfortunately now suffering through multiple crises, from an economic crisis and hyperinflation to a shortage of essential goods, like fuel and basic medications. Despite the struggles, I have fallen in love with life here and all the potential this place has to offer.
Keep reading for some FAQ’s about my life as an expat in Lebanon.
What made you decide to move to Lebanon
This is the big one! The timing of the move was unexpected considering everything happening in the country, but we are making the best of it. The main reason for the move was a big job opportunity for my husband that we just couldn’t turn down. We are both people that love to travel and we have both lived abroad before, so this was a step that made sense for us, and I knew that we would likely move abroad together at some point in our relationship. Lebanon was not one of the places we imagined ourselves living, but we also knew that it would be an incredible experience for us both. We almost backtracked on the decision in the aftermath of the devastating port explosion on August 4th, 2020. We began to question whether we should still make the move, but we took a leap of faith and are overjoyed with our decision so far.
What are some things you love about Lebanon?
We moved over the summer, and it was the best time. The beaches are incredible and very few things beat watching the sunsets on the Mediterranean. I also love the Beirut beach club scene – they are all little private beach or pool clubs that have a different vibe – from pure relaxation to full blown parties. I have even fallen in love with nightlife again! In the US I stopped clubbing years ago, but it’s just a whole different ball game here. There is also a great beach scene, with private clubs that all have a different vibe.
Even the food and dining are remarkable, and even though I have never been a big fan of gin, the local distilleries have made me do a complete 180! I’ve only been here a few months I have already had so many unique experiences.
What about everything we hear on the news about Lebanon?
Well yea a lot of that is true.
It’s a long and complicated situation that cannot be adequately explained in this post, but conditions in the country began to rapidly deteriorate after the port explosion in 2020. Lebanon is currently experiencing one of the most devastating financial crisis ever seen. The Lebanese Lira has lost 90% of its value, many local businesses no longer take credit cards because of the collapse of the banking system. The price for goods and services are in a constant state of fluctuation. The Lebanese government resigned in the wake of the port explosion last year, and the country has had severe infrastructure issues since then. There are shortages of everything from fuel to medications, constant blackouts and issues with plumping and water quality. Almost everyone relies on private fuel run generators for power which are extremely expensive considering wages in the country.
And as much as I love the super fresh food, things go bad fast and food poisoning/food borne illnesses are extremely common, especially in the summer.
The mood has gotten more and more tense as the economic issues worsen and no one can predict what will happen over the course of the next few months. But all I can tell you is that we are safe and staying prepared.
So what’s next for this chapter in your life?
I’m not sure but am taking it day by day. The opportunity to move to a new country and the end of the year are the perfect time to really consider life’s changing directions and how to adjust. I have found myself moving more slowly and with more consideration, less focused on hustling and more focused just on living. But I am happily working in a new job and rebranding my business to more adequately reflect where I am in life right now.
And if you want to keep up, please follow me on Instagram @whereismalikah and on my brand-new YouTube channel for a look at this new chapter in my life and how it continues to evolve.
4 Spring Books to Add to Your Reading List
This post is sponsored by HTP books
The world is already looking much different this Spring then it did last year. Hope is in the air and the streets are starting to bustle. I’m trying to find the balance between having fun and staying balanced, taking in time to enjoy the scenes of my new city.
I haven’t done much leisure reading in the past few months, so I was so happy to get a few of Harper Collins new releases for 2021. Keep reading for more Spring books to add to your reading list!
4 Spring Books to Add To Your Reading List
Eighteen months ago, Autumn Divac’s husband went missing. Her desperate search has yielded no answers, and she can’t imagine moving forward without him. But for the sake of their two teenage children, she has to try. Autumn takes her kids home for the summer to the charming beachside town where she was raised. She seeks comfort working alongside her mother and aunt at their bookshop, only to learn that her daughter is facing a huge life change and her mother has been hiding a terrible secret for years. And when she runs into the boy who stole her heart in high school, old feelings start to bubble up again. Is she free to love him, or should she hold out hope for her husband’s return?
A gripping tale of friendship, money, betrayal and good luck gone bad…For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends. Over drinks, dinner parties and summer barbecues, the three couples have discussed the important stuff—kids, marriages, careers—and they’ve laughed off their disappointment when they failed to win anything. But then the unthinkable happens. There’s a rift in the group. Someone is caught in a lie. And soon after, six numbers come up that change everything forever. Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth million. And their friends are determined to claim a share.
With the emotional pull of Debbie Macomber, Barbara Delinsky and Susan Wiggs, RaeAnne Thayne tells three love stories in one: between a husband and wife who need to find their way back together; between a man and woman taking one more chance at love; and between two sisters, trying to heal the past and look forward to their future. “[Thayne’s] books are wonderfully romantic, feel-good reads that end with me sighing over the last pages.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author
The Seafarer is the place to see and be seen in the summer…
With its rich history and famous guests, the glamorous Boston hotel is no stranger to drama. But the bustle at the iconic property reaches new heights one weekend in mid-June when someone falls tragically to her death, the event rippling through the lives of four very different people. Over three sun-drenched days, as the truth about the woman who died—and the secret she was hiding—is uncovered, these four strangers become linked in the most unexpected of ways. Together, they just might find the strength they need to turn their own lives around.
Let me know if you get any of these for yourself, or the women in your life. They would make great gifts for your mom, sister or friends, or even yourself! A good read is one of the easiest ways to indulge yourself.
Everything You Need to Know About Moving to LA
It’s been about 2 months since I moved to LA and so far I love my new city. The weather has been amazing - cool in the mornings then comfortably hot by afternoon with none of the gross NY humidity. People here are way more relaxed than I’m used to and the scenery is just so pretty! As an NYC transplant there has been an adjustment period and a few things I’ve had to learn and get used to. Here is a snapshot about how I’ve adjusted what I’m still working on!
Public Transportation in LA is Way Better than Expected
Driving is not my strong suit, as in I can barely do it. I was dreading having to drive in LA, especially on the freeways! I’ve been living in LA for 2 months getting around through a combo of the Metro and Lyft and it’s been perfect. Since I’m in downtown LA there are lots of buses than connect my neighborhood to most other parts of the city and they run timely and efficiently. I usually do buses by day and Lyft by night or if I’m rushing and I don’t wish I had a car AT ALL.
The Weather in LA is Hit or Miss
I moved here fully expecting beach days and temps in the high 80’s every day! However, when I visited in Feb and again in April, it rained damn near every day. And May and June were pretty much grey and cloudy every day for most of the day! I had never heard of the May Grey or June Gloom until I lived in it! Sometimes the clouds would break by late afternoon, but for the most part the weather was pretty disappointing.
The Food is Awesome - And Not all Health Conscious
I expected the foodie scene here to be way healthier, and it is for sure! But things are way more balanced than expected. I’m still on keto and ordering out is a dream. There are always plenty of low carb options or subtitutes available. Plus there is a plethora of options on the more decadent side. Living in LA really is a foodie haven, from the abundance of fresh, organic produce and restaurants that strike the balance between healthy and yummy. Do yourself a favor and do plenty of dining out when in town! I’ve been relying on Infatuation’s guides for restaurant suggestions, so check out reviews on their site if you are planning a trip.
I also noticed that if you walk into a trendy hotspot style restaurant without a reservation, the wait is usually just 15 to 20. In NY it’s not uncommon to hear 45 minutes to an hour! Makes things way more convenient if you are winging it one night.
People Are a Little Bit Flakier
Ok the stereotype is true! I was warned that LA people can be pretty flaky, much more so than New Yorkers. I think the main cause is the insane traffic. There have been a few times people changed plans last minute based on traffic, which I have heard is horrendous. As I said earlier, I don’t drive so am less affected, but considering how bad it can get, I kind of understand.
Have you guys visited LA, are a local, or thinking about moving? Let me know your thoughts about life or travel here and any tips for someone who is new in town!
3 Lessons I Learned in 2018
It's the last day of 2018! Before I get glammed up to party the night away, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the year, the progress I have made, and the challenges and goals I'm laying forth for myself in 2019. I've never been one for resolutions, but I am excited about some major changes on the horizon that I hope will make my life as enriched as it was in 2018. Here are some of the things I've learned and moments I'm most proud of this year.
I started to harness my own creativity
Being a content creator is fun, yet challenging. When I first started, I relied heavily on professional photographers to create content, but this year I pivoted and took most of my content creation into my own hands. I got better at composition, editing, art direction and location scouting. I'm going to plan a whole post about my new content strategy and why I work with pros less, but right now I'm relishing in knowing that I challenged myself creatively and can get even better as I grow in 2019
I learned to reprioritize my finances, and stick to it
I've known for awhile that I need to save more, but more fun things always got in the way. There was always a trip I wanted to take, a group dinner I wanted to go on, something I wanted to buy. I'm fortunate enough to be financially stable and have enough disposable income to live comfortably but I realized I was being far too comfortable and not saving enough. My emergency fund had been steady, but not growing and my 2019 life plans will require some serious spending on things that are absolutely worth it. I spent the last few months of 2018 making sacrifices to catch up - automating more of my savings, cutting back on dinners out and saying no to A LOT of travel. It was hard but it's time to start adulting and really getting serious about saving for my future. 2019 may end up being the year of no when it comes to travel and social plans, and I'm starting to get ok with that.
I tried to be more body positive and learned it didn't work for me
My body has changed a lot the past few years but I noticed it even more in 2018. Since this was the year of body positivity, I tried to embrace being a few pounds bigger and not being perfectly toned. The change was surely a combination of getting older, travelling more, spending time and sharing meals with the bf, and spending less money on my fancy boutique fitness classes. I went back and forth with feeling confident and insecure, dieting aggressively to drop pounds quickly, then of course putting them back on as soon as I started eating more normal. I told myself I was still in great shape and that being a little curvier for several good reasons was fine, but I really never believed it. Some people do believe you should never worry about your looks, but I've always thought that if you don’t like something about yourself you should change it. So I will be recommitting to the body I want to get back and taking healthy but disciplined steps to get there.
Let me know what you guys learned in 2018 and what you hope to accomplish in the year to come. Wishing you all the happiest New Year!
