How do you remember your childhood in Lebanon, and the way it was affected by the conflicts of that time?
delicate nature created a sense of vulnerability subject to all kinds of disturbances. I recall the wave of political upheavals that swept the country in the late fifties and culminated in the 1958 Civil War,
Growing up in Lebanon, a precious country with spectacular beauty and rich history, provided me a cheerful childhood filled with adventures, exploration and learning. My home offered a spectrum of multiple cultures and traditions reflecting my parents’ immigration experiences in the U.S. and Mexico where they kept strong ties. Their dedication and vision inspired great confidence in pursuing my education and developing my interests. Lebanon embraces eastern and western civilization and Levantine characteristics, giving it its unique cosmopolitan character. But its strategic location and
disrupting life with terrible fighting, paralyzing all normal activities, shutting down schools and creating a depressed atmosphere. The crystal-clear view of the blue sky, and the entire vista of the magnificent mountains and the beautiful coastal cities along the Mediterranean, became obscured with dark clouds and smoke arising from the explosion of bombs and burning buildings. Many images of the disturbances and happenings remain etched in my heart and mind. It was during these chaotic events that I felt a deep desire to travel.