In the hours leading up to a Congressional vote that may send missiles over our heads, many in Beirut are still living big, as seen by this wedding last night at the St. George Hotel.
Though it looks lively and fun on the outside, this hotel actually remains gutted on the inside, a vestige from the civil war and perhaps an apt metaphor for the deceptive calm that prevails now. (It’s amazing what good lighting can do!)
Today everyone has been on the beach and tonight there are more weddings and fireworks. The festive attitude even applies to buildings under construction, such as this one near Dbayeh:
Ironically I had to turn down a wedding invitation tonight as I’m writing an article about the war that surrounds us. I’m such a party-pooper.