If you too are feeling the heat here in Lebanon, then you can attest to the fact that the summer season is well and truly underway ! This means that despite all the challenges we’ve seen, the shores are once again lined with beach-goers, there's an abundance of events happening across the country and it feels good to see a bit of a summer sprightliness fill the air amid these very strange times.

As I write this, soaking up the warmth of the sun and surrounded by the infectious energy of returning friends and family, I feel recharged and motivated to join them in exploring all that the country has to offer.

If (like me) you’re determined to seize every moment of the season and get the most out of the culinary, cultural and natural wonders that shine brightest under Lebanon’s summer sunshine, then this edition of Breakfast in Bed is a great place to start. Recommended food pairing: a creamy booza to indulge in the taste of summer.

On the menu this week...

Planning the perfect summer itinerary

Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad.

With so much going on up and down the country this summer, planning your itinerary might feel somewhat overwhelming. Luckily, Jaimee Lee Haddad is here to be our expert guide.

She takes us on a tour of ten must-see archeological sites and while you may well have been to many before, I find there’s always something more to learn from each revisit. Do you know where the only site of the Umayyad dynasty is located ? Where can you find obelisks in Lebanon ? How long has Tripoli been inhabited for ?

Alternatively, there is equally as much natural beauty to be discovered too. So, whether you’re into scenic hikes or restorative beach days — or better still ; one followed by the other — Jaimee’s maps will help you navigate your escape from the city.

And if you’re looking to dance the summer nights away, check out the wide array of musical events on offer this July. From Egyptian rock music to French rap there’s bound to be a performance in our calendar to satisfy your taste.

Have you been to this viral Persian restaurant?

Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad.

To fuel-up before all your weekend excursions, join Cordon Courtine on a trip to ‘Persian Cup’ to explore the succulent kebabs and the rich aromas of this Iranian restaurant ; a rare find in Beirut. As ever, our discerning critic paints a vivid picture of their experience picking up on all the crucial details we want to know, from the quality of the service to the design of the crockery, so you feel like you’re dining right there alongside them.

After getting a flavor (pun intended) of the dining experience at Persian Cup, delve deeper into the historical significance of Persian cuisine in Lebanon. Olivia Le Poidevin takes you behind the scenes of the restaurant and finds out more about its surprising reception among Beirutis.

Laugh along to the Art of Boo’s new series

Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad.

Bernard Hage, better known as the Art of Boo, is back at it again with his signature black humour and satirical critiques in his latest project, « The Great Map of the Crisis. » The documentary series — a searing commentary of the Lebanese crisis — is being released in five installments, and L’Orient-Le Jour had the privilege of speaking with him about the genesis of this visionary project.

Art exhibitions galore

Illustrations by Jaimee Lee Haddad.

Last week, Beirut was abuzz with creativity during the Beirut Art Days festival. The city played host to a multitude of diverse exhibitions, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s thriving art scene. With such a wealth of exhibitions on offer, we found ourselves wanting to be in multiple places at once. So we hightled a selection of events for your enjoyment in case you missed them.

The first was a workshop on art therapy, a hugely important field with particular relevance in the Lebanese context. Find out how receptive participants were to this session.

There was also an exhibition hosted by the NGO Ahla Fawda, where I was inspired by a spirited group of young Lebanese artists putting sustainability and environmental activism at the forefront of their work.

Finally, Christine Abi Azar hosted an exhibition in Gemmayzeh ; a powerful ode to the flavors of her hometown Khiam that, ever since Oct. 8, has been subjected to Israeli bombardment and white phosphorus munitions. It is a true testament to the fact that « Art can be resistance » but also, as she evocatively puts it « resistance can be joyful. »