ThE DeNTal AeStHetic Clinic

Gothic for a cause

July 21, 2018

” Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it”

Confucius

Yesterday was an afternoon well spent. I was invited to a photo shoot for a cause. It was a camaraderie fundraising event for a family who needed some help for hospitalization. I am a hobbyist in photography mostly interesting places when I am on a trip , I like landscape and flowers as my subjects. Though, I usually do family portraits for friends, this was my first time to shoot a gothic portraiture. As an amateur I was pretty excited. I really don’t know what to expect, I was asking for a protocol so I would know what will be my limitations, will there be some tips and advice on how to take portrait with gothic theme? Will the professional guide the amateur? hahaha poor me, don’t really know what to do 🙂

Anyhow, I came early and was surprised, models were already getting ready, lights were set up and registration already started. The person in charged for registration was giving another paper for models to sign on…Me? nope I’m here to shoot! Wow 🙂 shoot? maybe just a spectator or taking behind the scenes photos. Of course! I tried my best to capture the moment 🙂

and here some of my shots… models: Alda ,Janet,Angie,Alyana and Carmie

and here’s the shot of Rommel S Jubay with model Ada

Thank you for the invite, to the organizers, models, make up artist and to all the people who in one way another help to make the afternoon lovely. 🙂

Cheers,

Jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

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wordless wednesday

10 days in Lebanon (day 9) walk through the woods of Taanayel

June 20, 2018 Wednesday – en route to Taanayel

I know, this is quite late but I would still like to share my last day in Lebanon. That was a lovely day to walk before heading to our final destination Taanayel.

A beautiful sight to behold

Taanayel village is just a few kilometers from Zahleh, approximately one hour from Beirut ,an attractive corner of Beqaa where you can find a lot of trees, a lake and ducks 🙂 not only ducks but horses and cows too! It’s an agricultural area with vineyards and orchards of fruit trees. This is the area I got the most delicious labneh produced locally.

A lovely day to stroll along the pathways of tall trees, you can choose to bike, or ride a horse drawn-carriage or ride the horse, if you know how 🙂

or you can argue which way to go, what corner is good to pose for pictures etc anything under the sun with the cool air , argument was just as lovely as the day. You can not go wrong in this beautiful sight.

not even a snake can break my day. I just took the shot continued walking 🙂 afraid? nope! I told one of the group leader about it and suddenly a group of children gathered around, I think the snake left… ashamed that he showed up hahaha

At the end of the pathway is an awesome view of the lake.

A little trivia : this place was granted to the Jesuit father in 1860 by the Turkish government as a compensation for the massacre of five Jesuits in the same year. Please continue reading here

As you can see the place was a result of a marvelous hardworking Jesuits who cultivated the land and installed a large plant for dairy products and made it available commercially in 1958 and in 1994 the brand “La Laiterie du Couvent de Taanayel” was launched. The dutch yellow cheese is known as “Ghouda” OMG! Do you think its like saying good ah! 🙂 just joking!

Ladies, add this to your bucket list, I promise you will love the place and will not forget the taste of labneh and cheese!

Cheers,

Jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

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10 days in Lebanon (day 8) en route to Cedars of Lebanon

June 19, 2018 to Cedars of Lebanon

We were out everyday so we decided to rest for a day (7) and today (8) we went driving, instead of riding a tourist bus. It was a beautiful day, stopping to smell the freshness of the air and appreciate the beauty of nature.

We passed by Deir El Kamar, where we went down on Dany Chamoun Square. In here we found the statue of Camille Chamoun – 2nd president of the Lebanese Republic. Marie Baz Museum was just at the corner but we did not get in. The old stone houses and pavement was a history in itself, even the souvenirs were all interesting to look at. The Fakreddine mosque built-in 1493.We also walked toward the Church of Saidet el Talleh which was built-in the 17th century. The entrance of Prince Chehabi’s Castle built-in 1756. Wow! I felt like I went into the time machine. 🙂

We have also seen the outside of Moussa mosque but we did not get in,I think this day was a day that we opted not to spend money for entrance fees 🙂 On our way to Cedar mountain, we have seen locally harvest tomatoes , that looks like apples. Real big!

Beautiful! A must see for you ladies!

Cheers,

Jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

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FOURTY DAYS

jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

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10 days in Lebanon (day 6) From Saint Charbel church to Baatara Gorge Waterfall and Douma

June 17, 2018 Saint Charbel church

Before going to our final destination of the day, we passed by St charbel Church, located at the outskirt of the town Jezzine. A lot of people came to attend the Sunday mass. We also saw a group of Filipinos, who were on tour. St Maroun Monastery is also St Charbel Sanctuary. One thing that I noticed was the oil of healing. I was told, if you blessed the oil, it can heal your pain.But I guess, it comes with the faith too. There were a lot of souvenirs on sale as well as goods like cheese, yogurt which is locally produced. One particular harvest that took my attention were the torpedo onions

locally produced Torpedo onions – an Italian variety dry onion with sweet taste used in salad

June 17, 2018 Baatara Gorge Waterfall

Balou’ Bala’a or Baatara gorge waterfall is located 76 km from Beirut. It is also known as “Cave of Three Bridges” though I was not able to really get into the 3rd bridge (fear of heights) this is an amazing hike not to mention my attire 🙂 I know I should have research the place so I can dressed appropriately.

The photo doesn’t show much the steepness of the cliff and the ruggedness of the rocks but I was braved to try, at least on the first level 🙂 The water that flows was not that enormous, I guess there was no rainfall on June.

Activities include walking to the monkey bridge, climbing, tyrolienne, hiking, abseiling and camping. Did we do all of that? Nope! no time 🙂

Lunch at Douma Village, this is our 3rd day of Barbecue, wow! 3 consecutive days, I am not complaining but my tummy says otherwise 🙂 After lunch as usual, people were dancing and of course there’s a belly dancer too! Then we went roaming around the old market.

Tired but happy to be on tour with this couple.

Cheers,

Jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

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10 days in Lebanon (day 5) Beqaa Valley to Baalbek Roman Ruins

June 16, 2018 Beqaa – Bekaa

Wow! This is the 5th day, imagine waking up early morning everyday, thinking what to wear ? hahaha True!

Believe me…I see you’re smiling, with my madame malou huh! Wearing same clothes for two consecutive day is a NO! Period! Funny, I was told that Lebanese women are very fashionable, like to wear high heels etc. So , I packed a reasonable clothes, kind of middle, not too formal, not too rugged , a wedge shoes and a rubber shoes. Oh! I’m glad I also packed a jogging pants, just in case 🙂 If I knew beforehand, we will be hiking and walking everyday, I will bring a more appropriate clothing and foot wear.

Beqaa is fertile valley in the eastern region, located about 30 km east of Beirut. It is situated between Mt. Lebanon to the west and Anti -Lebanon mountains to the east.

The water that flows came from the Valley. It’s a beautiful place with lots of trees. And as we drive forward, in a middle of nowhere, a spectacular view of a man-made lake (not sure actually) awaits us. Awesome view, my photos were taken while I am inside the bus.

The elongated plateau is known for its warm and dry summer and on winter the mountains were covered by snow.

During Lebanese civil war, cannabis cultivation was a major source of income, but it seems, it continues until now. Fields were planted with figs, apples and cannabis as well.

We went down and took photos, and of course ladies, we had a fun-filled photo shoot 🙂

June 16, 2018 – Baalbek Roman Ruins

Ba’albek or Baalbek is an ancient Phoenician city in Anti – Lebanon foothills east of Beqaa Valley. ( the name “Baalbek” means Lord Baal of Beqaa Valley). It’s fascinating to note that Baalbek inhabited as early as 9000BCE. Alexander the great conquered Baalbek and renamed it as “Heliopolis” City of the sun.

normal houses can be seen around the roman ruins

I know, in my high school year, hmmm pardon me, I only remembered some words in my History book like Ottoman empire, Alexander the Great, Heliopolis City 🙂 Not in my wildest dream that one day, I will be standing at the ruins of Ancient Roman Empire. I wonder how these massive tons of stones were moved ,placed and arranged.

look at me 🙂 nope look at the stones, so huge! how they were able to moved it? Fascinating.. right?

Another wonder of all wonder is the giant stone called “Stone of the Pregnant Woman”

Pregnant stone? does it deliver stone? hahaha nope! There were many stories behind the given name. One says, the monolith is named after a pregnant woman who tricked the people into believing that she knew how to moved the huge stone, if only they would feed her until she gave birth. While other say, the name reflects the belief that any woman who touches the stone will increase the chance of getting pregnant.

Ladies, whatever the story is, Baalbek should be in your bucket list!

Cheers,

Jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

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10 days in Lebanon (day 4) Nabatieh Beaufort Castle

June 15, 2018 Nabatieh

It’s the first day of Eid, we thought that tour buses were not operating but to our surprise it did! So off we went 🙂 we did not waste time, didn’t we?

We woke up at 5:30 in the morning, excited to go on our first trip, we were told if were on the bus at 7 am, we would have the first seat for us, the view would be beautiful than seating at the back, but the bus driver said otherwise. He preferred that we sit at the second row to pass the border checkpoint easily. The tour guide doesn’t speak english well, but I have a very good interpreter Nabil, my friend 🙂 who did a good job! I think he was historian of the past!

We passed Saida and I got a quick shot of 13th century fortress built by crusaders – Sidon sea castle. We had breakfast along the shore, I forgot the name of the restaurant because I remembered the sweet smell of Kanafeh and could not resist not to eat it.

Nabatieh is the city of the Nabatieh Governorate, in southern Lebanon.

Bellfort or Beaufort Castle known to arab travelers as Sheqif Arnon. located about 1 kilometer to the south-south-east village of Arnoun. “High rock of Arnon”

The castle strategic location got a good view of the southern Lebanon and Israel. The walls were all thick and there were small windows which probably used by sniper. There was also like a basement which my friend think used for prisoners. It was dark and scary to walk through.

After the Beaufort castle we proceeded to the Palestinian border, along the way we saw graffiti walls which tell stories of people and the conflict that was and still going.We can actually see the houses on the other border.

After wondering at the beautiful scenery, we have reached our lunch destination. Who would have thought that at the oasis (alwazzani river) Hosn Al Wazzani resort can be found against the backdrop of barb wire and enemy troops? You can actually see the peacekeeping troops on the top of the border.

The sumptuous lunch ended with a dance. what a nice way to end the day.

Nice tour, nice people, nice lunch and nice dance too 🙂

Cheers,

Jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

10 days in Lebanon (day 3) Teleferique from Jounieh to Harissa and a walk to Byblos

June 14, 2018 – Teleferique from Jounieh to Harissa

Harissa village is 20 km north of Beirut.

On the 3rd day we went back to Jounieh looking for teleferique. I was wondering what is teleferique?

Teleferique dubbed as “Terorrifique” is a cable car 🙂

I am afraid of heights let alone the cable car, but I am 59 years old.. so let’s go! Life is too short not to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. Soaring high nearly 650 meters above the sea level, at the speed of 3.15 meters per second. Did you hear my scream? hahaha

Actually that’s an awesome 9 minutes ride and after reaching the top, I guess we were overwhelmed that instead of riding the funicular to take the remaining distance to the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, we walked up few more stairs, I ‘m glad my knees are in good condition (I think) at my age. 🙂 A less than hundred few steps and were up, just to look back and realized we could have taken the funicular ride instead of walking hahaha.

Spectacular view!

Oh ! The steps we took was nothing when we saw the 13 ton statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, it is made of bronze painted white – The Virgin Mary.

This is a pilgrimage site in Lebanon. I would keep it as a major accomplishment for me, facing my fear of heights and offering my prayers for my love ones especially the early demise of my dear jun.

There was also an exhibition of ancient Russian icons, a display of absolute beauty.

June 14, 2018 – Byblos

After eating the most tastiest felafel sandwich , we headed to Byblos, the oldest city in the world that is continuously inhabited.Located 42 km north of Beirut. On our way to see the ancient ruins from stone age, we passed by the old souk of Byblos. In here you can see small shops selling souvenirs, local cafe, literally the chairs are in the middle of the small shops, we were tempted to sit but no time to drink because our tummy was still full of felafel. 🙂

At the right end of the souk, we went to see the Byblos castle. Apparently the local pays less than the tourist because we were asked at the entrance what country we came from.

Byblos castle or castle of giblet built by the crusaders in the 12th century from indigenous limestone and the remains of Roman structures.

the ruins consist of Roman Colonnade

a small Roman amphitheater

There’s a lot more to see in Byblos but we opted to end the day satisfied seeing the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Greek and Roman ruins.

Cheers,

Jamilamimi@beautybeyondfifty

10 days in Lebanon (day 2/2) en route to Jeita – just for fun

June 13, 2018

En route to the magical Jeita grotto 18 Km north of Lebanon, the road leading to the caverns is carved into the mountains and surrounded with trees. There lived a family enchanted by the cool swept of the air and the smell of nature.

The ALjeji family 🙂