The New York Times recommends Beirut as the first place to visit in 2009 !!

The New York Times has named the Lebanese capital among its top "44 Places to Go in 2009.""The capital of Lebanon is poised to reclaim its title as the Paris of the Middle East," it said, carrying a photo of downtown Beirut's Mohammed al-Amin mosque.

The Times said that "two hotels scheduled to open later this year are raising the luxury quotient…. and a clutch of high-profile restaurants are transforming the city's culinary scene."

The feature was published in the Sunday January 11th, 2009 print and online versions of the newspaper.

The destinations were chosen based on their cultural and recreational attractions, their unique landscape and architecture, as well as for the food, festivals, family experience, and resorts they have to offer."From the Aegean Sea to Zambia, this year's most compelling destinations are awash in sublime landscapes, cutting-edge art, gala music festivals, and stylish new resorts," it said.

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Well, this is something that really makes me proud of being Lebanese!!
If they just leave us to live in peace, we will really be the best country in the whole world!!

Full Story:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/11/travel/20090111_DESTINATIONS.html?8dpc

More on Beirut:
http://www.downtownbeirut.com/