Ep.338 (Video): Al Wadi (Part 2)

Video version: https://youtu.be/AgfKUejHnkg Al Wadi (Part 2) catches up with Gabrielle Elia, author of 'Impressions of My Youth in Lebanon'. We dive deep into Wadi Abu Jmeel's history - a bygone neighborhood once central to downtown Beirut - and the Lebanese Jewish community's position in a time of post-independence uncertainty for Lebanon. Our discussion explores Gabrielle's childhood, full of an innocent joy that she retains. We also talk about relics both abandoned and restored of a once vibrant community's rich and troubled past. Our conversation also touches on the storytelling craft, and why Gabrielle continues to write about a country she left over half a century ago. If you haven't already, listen to the first episode of Al Wadi (Episode 170) released in June 2020: https://soundcloud.com/thebeirutbanyan/ep170 And check out all her books (including 'Impressions of My Youth in Lebanon') via the following Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=%22Gabrielle+Elia%22&i=stripbooks Special thanks to Christian Konjian and Charlotte Gaudreau for helping film in Montreal. Soundtrack by Marc Codsi. Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Music by Marc Codsi. Animation & illustration by Sana Chaaban.