The Labors of Bucephalus No matter how tedious life at times could become, one look out the window was enough to remind me that not far away, the world-and adventure-were impatiently waiting.-R. Morse

Beirut appears to suffer from an identity crisis, as the youth of the city seem to have largely embraced "western" notions of extravagnace, social standing, and personal excess.  Strangely, this city feels to be imbued with a party vibe, coupled with the sense of impending disaster.  Whole blocks in southern Beirut have been levelled by Israeli bombs, pockmarks from shrapnel dot abandoned buildings, and yet in the midst of it all, graceful French architecture is prevalent in newly constructed and remodelled nightclubs, bars, and restaurants-all seemingly touting a naive and innappropiate attitude of indignant hedonism in the face of an ever-darkening horizon.