The Middle East Vacation Based On Personal Experience

The Middle East - Great Countries, Normal People, a Past and a Future
By Ellen McCormick

Have you ever wondered what the Middle East is really like? The TV has plenty to say about it... usually about extremists, veils, minarets, and war. But most of the Middle East knows a totally different reality. Here's some information about a few of the different countries and societies in the Middle East based on personal experience from living and working there.

Lebanon: A Mediterranean paradise. Wake up to see the sun rising over the mountains, and go to bed with it setting over the ocean. Enjoy delicious Arab food with a Mediterranean touch - hommous, tabouli, shwarmas, and more! Lebanon has always been known for its food, dancing, beauty and culture. Yes - due to political upheaval in the past few decades, Lebanon has been a war-torn country, and the affects of the war can still be seen. Not all of the destroyed buildings have been rebuilt, and many of the people still carry war memories. But now is a time of rebuilding. The Lebanese people - the ones in the streets, the shops, the cinemas - are committed to peace. Christians and Muslims live together in the same country peacefully, and are learning to dialogue. The war is over, and Lebanon does not need to be ignored. It needs to be supported, visited, helped in this time of rebuilding. So come, enjoy the food, the view, the climate, and the warm welcome from the Lebanese people, who are waiting for you!

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Jordan: Whose friends with Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and the U.S.A.? Sound impossible? Jordan shows that it can be. Jordan has the reputation of being the most peaceful country in the Middle East, and everyone's ally. No one is rejected or unwelcome in Jordan. Christians and Muslims, natives and foreigners, are welcome, and all live together in peace and friendship. Whether it's for a weeks vacation, or a permanent move, there is a place for everyone in Jordan... for everyone, that is, who is ready to live peacefully with others.

Oman: One of the Muslim gulf countries, Oman is still a very peaceful and friendly country. More laid back, it could be compared to the Midwest states in the U.S. A hot climate, in the heart of the desert, not like the lush Mediterranean climate of Lebanon. Life is a little slower paced, following the weather. Business happens in the morning, slows down or shuts during the hottest hours of the day between noon and three, and then opens up again for the evening. The call for Muslim prayer times can be heard all around the country from the minarets, but Christians also have their Churches and are able to practice.

A note about Muslims and Christians: Although some Muslims are undoubtedly extremists, the majority are very peaceful, welcoming, and friendly people. Faithful to their religion, they are also accommodating and welcoming to the Christians. And even though the Middle East almost always brings Muslims to mind, there are Christians in the Middle East. Middle Easterners - Christians and Muslims - as a whole, aren't extremists or terrorists. They are people, just like you and me. They have a past, and a future. They have friends and relatives, jobs, schools, social events just like us. They have hopes and dreams, fears and goals. Peace in the Middle East will never come from fear, avoidance, or isolation. It will come from dialogue, from seeing that they are people just like us, people we can know, love, and share life with, welcoming them when they are visiting our countries, and by visiting their countries. We have a lot to learn from them, and many things to share with them as well.

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