The man assigned to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival to Beirut, excitedly turned to me in the taxi and asked, “Do you want Arabic Ice Cream?!” He seemed so excited about it, I didn’t really feel like it at the moment, but you NEVER refuse a host…

Arabic Ice Cream. I don’t know quite the difference compared to other ice cream, other than it seemed a lot like gelato. Quite light and delicious!

In most places like this he explains, you have to first go to a counter and purchase a ticket. Then you go over to the ice cream counter and turn that in when called. It didn’t appear to have much order and design and he seemed to stand there waving his ticket for quite a bit of time.

A beautifully-lit bakery counter.

Here he is still waving the ticket.

While waiting, he snags me a sample of raspberry. Delicious and refreshing.

Still waiting patiently…

Standing tall amongst everyone, still vying for attention..

Finally! And as he insisted on choosing for me…he selected a triple combo of pistachio, raspberry, and mango. Not any that I would have chosen myself, yet, I was pleasantly surprised! It was so good!

Up close and personal. Welcome to Beirut!

20JUL13. Beirut, Lebanon.