Summer in Lebanon has come swiftly and strongly. It descended on us like a pelican diving for fish in the ocean. Daily temperatures at 30℃ or higher, coupled with intense humidity, leave one glistening with sweat. Not very appetizing to the eye. Not appetizing to the glistening one either. I often get home, dripping, with no thought except to lie down and not move again till the sun has long set over the Mediterranean.

But in the midst of this humid and hot weather, I've found that the Lebanese truly revel in the summer season. It's almost like they say, "Summer, right! Who cares about the economy, politics, and rising petrol prices? Let's hit the beach!" And they do. Either that or they drive east and north into the mountains, to their family villages, and spend the day eating luscious Lebanese fruit and sharing the narguileh.

So, although I hate driving to the American university in the heat, I love watching everyone else going past me with summer smiles etched across their faces. It's enough to remind me that regardless of the conflict here, people like to enjoy themselves, and will always find a way to do so.

Soon, I hope, I'll be joining them.