Unfortunately, the Lebanese passport presents it's fair share of problems and travel restrictions. Even if the desire to work abroad is there, it's not always possible to leave Lebanon. We wanted to hear from a few people who had the chance to spend some time abroad, but then had to come back to Lebanon because of their passport. 

This week, you'll hear from Rawan who lived in NYC then had to move back. What we love about her is that she always tries to make the most out of any situation. We hope you're inspired by her story and her positive outlook on life. 

Did you have to come back or did you choose to come back? Why?
I did not choose to come back... Although I was in New York for a 6 months internship only, the plan was to stay abroad. Having only a Lebanese passport made that difficult and so I had to come back. Just like everyone who leaves Lebanon, I wanted to leave for better opportunities, for independence, for the space to explore myself and become my best possible self, I wanted to live in a country where I wasn’t surrounded by people complaining about all the lost opportunities, and I was worried that if I stayed in Lebanon I would become exactly that. I wanted to discover who I was outside what defined me back home. 

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
When I first came back, I wasn’t very accepting of the idea of being back (being unemployed didn’t make it easy). You can say I was still in denial– I didn’t even register at a gym because in my head I was going to find a way to leave again, but once I got a job, and once I allowed myself to create a routine, I started enjoying Lebanon and appreciating the small things it offers, and I appreciated the time I had with my family and friends (the ones that were still here at least and the new friends I made). Exploring different parts of Lebanon and visiting parts of Lebanon I hadn’t even heard of before makes being here a pleasant and satisfying experience. 

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
The constant instability and absence of respecting laws. Living in a country where conflict can arise suddenly and seeing that people don’t even react anymore. I'm still trying figure out how to navigate through uncertainty and not become too frustrated when things happen. 

How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Mmm... to a certain extent. For instance, I have become more independent, I know how to rely on myself, and I now enjoy getting things done on my own. However, when I was in New York, I lived on my own and so I had to cook my own meals, do my own laundry and clean up after my own mess – things we take for granted living at home with family. Coming back to Lebanon meant of course living with my family again, I still cook but only when my parents are abroad. But that’s something I’m trying to go back to as I learned that I enjoy cooking and eating home cooked meals as opposed to ordering all the time. 

Also, something I learned from living abroad, and I hope to always apply, is to always get out of my comfort zone. Since I came back I’ve been trying my best to always try new things, challenge myself (whether professionally or socially) and push my boundaries. 
What are some of the sacrifices you have to make living in Lebanon?
Personal space and independence are two things you have to constantly fight for  when living in Lebanon, especially when you move back in with your family. Rent is too expensive in Beirut and it’s the social norm to live with your family. 

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
People’s appetite for life. Yes, many people (including myself) complain about the lack of opportunities, the instability and the chaos, but we still live life to the fullest and make the most of it. Events happening all the time -- there are always concerts, seminars, trips, street fairs, art shows, etc., going on in Beirut. There is real culture here and it is thriving despite all the problems.
Depending on what you choose to do with your time here, you can meet the most interesting people who love to live, and that is contagious.

What would your advice be for other returnees?
Allow yourself to explore Lebanon (it has so much to offer, you just need to look!). Allow yourself to create a routine that you enjoy. Go to different events, meet new people and just enjoy being home. If you willingly chose to come back to Lebanon, come back with the right state of mind and focus on the things/people that matter to you the most. Invest your time with people and places that make you happy, and soak it all in. 

TOG Team ft. Rawan

Did you have to come back or did you choose to come back? Why?
​I chose to come back to Beirut from the States after completing my graduate studies. Staying abroad was an option, but I chose not to pursue it at this stage, partly because the practice I chose is very much place-based and every city is a learning opportunity on its own. I'm very passionate about the city I grew up in and I always thought that I needed to come back and immerse myself here with my newly-developed “expert lens” and learn from this city. It wasn't an easy transition at first as I didn’t know what was awaiting me here and I was uncertain for how long I'd be in Beirut, but it eventually worked out. At some point, you need to start building yourself up somewhere and despite the many challenges here, it is worth giving it a shot. 

How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Moving back here wasn’t really an interruption of what I learned abroad; the learning process continues and becomes more adaptive the more time I spend here. Living abroad was a milestone that definitely helped me grow as a person, and that process is far from done (does it end, really?). Getting things done on my own was one of the key things I learned abroad; I kept that momentum as I came back to Lebanon and I still deal with any issue as if I had no guidance/support. I also still cook! My biggest learning curve was during my studies and I still use the tools, skills and resources that I cultivated in grad school in my work in Lebanon, helping me take major leaps in my projects. It was a challenge to adapt skills and methods imported from abroad to our Lebanese way of doing things, but I’m glad to have that reference always there in the back of my head. 

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
By being fully present here, looking at the glass half full and getting out as often as I can. There’s always something to do here, whether alone or with your friends, so getting bored and/or uninterested is really a personal choice. I keep on coming across hidden gems, and this city/ country has plenty. It certainly helps to stay off social media!

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
Aside from the basics that ought to make your day-to-day life so much easier (ease of access/ mobility/ affordability…), it's how slow things generally get done here, and fishing for motivation to keep going. Also, the struggle to find and collect (accurate) DATA! 

How do you deal with these challenges?
I don’t think I (or anyone) have really figured a way to deal with those challenges yet, aside from living with them and making the most of what you can actually do at the moment. I’m still learning to cope, even if that sometimes means going the extra mile to get what I need. 
What are some of the sacrifices you have to make living in Lebanon?
The sense of independence & living on your own terms, found in living alone abroad, is great, and it's something I had to give up initially. But that can be transferred here once you’re able and willing to move out of your parental nest. A small salary cut at first, too, but not too significant, as it’s a financially draining struggle to be a graduate student in the US. You don’t come close to faring well until way after you start work - but so is the case in Lebanon, I hope.
I'm yet to get back to using my bike as a primary mode of transportation. So nothing too major, at the end it's all about your priorities and what you’re willing to trade off. 

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
Beirut is my all-time favorite place to be. Some people I know don’t get my infatuation (it comes and goes, of course - have you tried driving here? or paying rent?), but it’s where I find a sense of permanence, purpose and community. And of course friends, family, and plenty of mom's food!

What would your advice be for other returnees?
Be patient and not too picky. Focus on what you're able to control and/or change, and don't dwell too much on the inconveniences, because you’ll have them everywhere. Be fully present, and not one foot in and one foot out, because you need to make a lot of effort to be able to give this place a chance and it's the least it deserves. Finally, don’t expect to be returning to a rosy place, to spare yourself the disappointment. You can control the way you perceive being here and that makes all the difference.

TOG Team ft. Tala

Every young Lebanese has considered leaving the country. Many have left. And some have returned. We wanted to hear their stories, learn more about why they left and why they came back.

Through this series of blog posts, we want to share their stories, including the challenges and the joys, and then leave you with some of their advice. 

In part one of this series, you’ll get to hear from our very own Angela who chose to come back to help launch and run The Olive Grove. And we’ll get to hear from her husband, Falah, as well. 

Angela and Falah met in Lebanon about 7 years ago, dated long distance for a few years as Angela studied in London, and then they lived in Dubai for the past several years. This past year, they made the big move and came back to Lebanon. 

​Every young Lebanese has considered leaving the country. Many have left. And some have returned. We wanted to hear their stories, learn more about why they left and why they came back.

Through this series of blog posts, we want to share their stories, including the challenges and the joys, and then leave you with some of their advice. 

In part one of this series, you’ll get to hear from our very own Angela who chose to come back to help launch and run The Olive Grove. And we’ll get to hear from her husband, Falah, as well. 

Angela and Falah met in Lebanon about 7 years ago, dated long distance for a few years as Angela studied in London, and then they lived in Dubai for the past several years. This past year, they made the big move and came back to Lebanon. 

Did you have to come back to Lebanon or did you choose to come back? Why?
Angela: Coming back to Lebanon was always a thought running through my head but I never thought it would actually happen. My job in Dubai was not giving me the satisfaction I deserved after spending more than12 hours a day working. The pay might have been good, but honestly, hardly enough to really compensate for all those hours spent staring at a screen.
It just so happened that my best friend (Anna) asked to come and help her launch a business in Lebanon, and it just happened to be the right time. 
So I would say that maybe, yes, I had to leave Dubai (to keep my sanity) but I chose to go to Lebanon and not anywhere else in the world. 

Falah: I lived abroad for 6 years, however I used to come back to Beirut every chance I got (probably 100 times). And every time I came back it was just amazing. So finally when I got a good job opportunity that continues to challenge me and is in line with my career plans, I just took a leap of faith.

How do you make the most of living in Lebanon?
Angela: Honestly, I really don’t think life in Lebanon is as bad as people who have lived here all their lives say it is. Yes, fine, there is no 24/7 electricity, no water, bad traffic and annoying politicians, and I do complain too. But I just choose to surround myself with positive people and look at the bright side. I’m happy at work. I live in a nice house. I have my whole family here. My cat. The ability to walk everywhere. All four seasons. The beach, the mountains. Amazing restaurants, amazing bars. And the best part is that all your Lebanese friends will come visit and stay with you when they're back in the country.

Falah: I’ve been back for 6 months now, so at the beginning I was settling down, finding a home, then furnishing it (still work in progress). I also got a bike. My wife and I try to go outside Beirut every weekend to somewhere new in Lebanon, and Lebanon has so many hidden and beautiful places, also great people to meet. Of course I also looooove eating mama’s food more often.

What is one of the biggest challenges of living in Lebanon after living abroad?
Angela: Lebanon is a very weird place, and I'm not sure how it’s actually functioning. The luxury and comfort of having a smooth running country is nice, but I don’t think this is the biggest challenge. I would say the salary cut was hard at first but you adapt. I think the hardest thing is making choices here. Every decision for some reason has a much bigger effect. Actually, maybe that because I’m getting older. 

Falah: It’s probably the disorganization and uncertainty. For the first time, I try to see through the noise and avoid frustrating situations such as traffic, slow internet, and electricity. As for the uncertainty, (un)fortunately as Lebanese we know how to neutralize it and just carry on with our lives.

How have you implemented what you learned abroad into your life here?
Angela: I personally think everyone should leave Lebanon (if you have the opportunity) and live abroad at least once in their lives. You learn how to live alone and how to be independent. You learn how to make real friends and surround yourself with a new family. You learn a new way of life. So when you come back to Lebanon, you’re no longer stuck in the routine and mood of those here. The hardship you face here is only a stepping-stone. I think the greatest thing I learned abroad is to be adaptable; and that is one of the most important qualities to develop when you move back to Lebanon. 

Falah: Working abroad in multinational companies taught me high work ethics and standards that I implement at work here. I also rely a lot more on technology during daily activities such as transportation, banking, even for recycling I use an App. One thing that I learned but haven’t implemented yet is volunteering.

What’s one of your favorite things about living in Lebanon again?
Angela: Having my family close to me, though the family obligations can be overwhelming sometimes. Reconnecting with some old friends. Being able to walk everywhere. I recently bought a bike and it was one of the best decision ever. The list can go on and on but I’ll stop here. 

Falah: Family. Getting to see them more often is amazing. Outdoor activities come second.

What would your advice be for other returnees?
Angela: Make sure what your are doing here in Lebanon satisfies you. Live with your parents for the first part of your return just so you won't have to deal with too much at one time. Definitely find your own place before your first year is over. Surround yourself with the right crowd - with people that are inspiring and positive. This will help a lot. Have a routine. It's very easy to spend all your money in one day without noticing. Don’t live too far from your job so you won’t have to deal with traffic. 

Falah: For those of you who wish and plan to move back to Lebanon one day, try not to delay that day too much. The earlier you move back, the better it is to establish yourselves.
For the brave ones who moved back, I say "Ahla w sahla." It’s a rollercoaster, but you will enjoy every single bit of it.

Stay tuned for our next blog as we continue this series.... 

TOG Team ft. Angela & Falah 

​Is Creativity Necessary? 
We think so. 

Creativity doesn’t necessarily equate to artistic qualities. It can be expressed through innovation and problem solving skills.

Think about these two scenarios: 

Scenario #1: 
You hypothetically live in a country with electricity, water and waste management problems. Everyone around you complains about it and says it’s a hopeless cause. So, overtime, you begin to believe what everyone else is saying. And you give up, because there’s obviously no point in dreaming up solutions. 

Scenario #2: 
You hypothetically live in a country with electricity, water and waste management problems. However, the people around you view this as a challenge worth confronting. They start thinking of ways to come up with clean energy solutions to bypass the lack of infrastructure. Sure, you have some hesitations and doubts, but it’s more exciting to think of creative (sometimes far-fetched) solutions rather than dwell in hopelessness. Right? 

So how do you incorporate creativity into your day to day life?