How did it go with the courses?

We haven't been posting any articles lately. Things were a little bit out of control after our last trip to Lebanon, in May, that we are having the feeling of being behind schedule all the time !

But although it seems a long time since May and the news are old by now, we have to tell our readers and friends how did it go when it comes to the courses. During our stay in Maghdouche, we had time to offer 3 courses... Berit gave the first course. It was about making wool socks (the norwegian way) using 5 sticks.

Robert gave the second course that was a course in tatting where participants got familiar with the shittle and its use, made their first double stitches, picots and rings. The participants saw the light when they were able to understand the logic behind the weird elegant hand movements of tatting...

The third and last course was with TrondE. It was about knitting small cats. After the course, the participants were able to knit a cat on 2 sticks, filt it as they were introduced to filting and personalise it by embroidering the eyes and the mouth.

This time, the courses were given to a limited number of people on the hope that these people will be able to teach the others that are interested in learning the techniques.

Berit and Bjørn Visiting Lebanon !

Dear friends and loyal readers,
Here is a little taste of our last trip to Lebanon in May 2009. Berit and Bjørn were the testing visitors on how the house "Beit el Founoun" works for scandinavians and especially norwegians... We hope you like it !

Experience Maghdouche !

The landing in Beirut airport was early in the morning... We were two excited people that were met by the warmth, not only in the temperature but also warmth in the hearts... We have never met such hospitality in our life. So, here in the west, we have a lot to learn... The neighbour could come with coffee and cookies at 8.00 in the morning... Maghdouche people came with cakes and sweets... Wherever you ask for the way to a certain place, you will be offered to have a coffee.

We lived in Beit el Founoun, in the old part of Maghdouche... Very cosy, both the house and the village. In Maghdouche, we visited the grotto church, the new basilica , the virgin tower, the Mazar road, the local church, the orange blossom cooperative...

Otherwise, we visited many museums, emirs palaces, churches, archeological ruins and markets, in many different cities and villages... Beirut, Saida, Deir el Kamar, Beiteddine, Jezzine, Room, Nabatieh and Tyre... plus many many more... Thanks to TrondE and Robert that were an open history book, we got a unique experience.

The food in Lebanon was so good. The only thing that we missed after 18 days was a simple slice of bread with brown cheese and a glass of milk!

We could tell more and more... and we recommend Lebanon as a warm travel destination. What we see and hear in the radio and television does not fit with the facts... Lebanon has to be experienced!

Robert's family was of big generosity and hospitality and took good care of us.

Berit and Bjørn Myhre (Norway)

2 More Oya Mandeels

As our research for Oya continued, we got to Sonia Cattan after we heard that she has a collection of Oya. Unfortunately, the collection was stolen during the war on Maghdouche in 1986... Only 2 Oya mandeels survived. Here is Maryline wearing them for the photo.

Makkook - Nupereller - Tatting

Course #: 6

We are glad to inform you that a course in Makkook (Makkouk) work will be held in Beit el Founoun soon. Those who are interested, please take contact with Georgette Hayek.

Makkook, known in english as tatting is a very old tradition in Lebanon dated since the Ottoman era and that dissappeared with the Lebanese war... and to just revive this tradition, could be a big achievement.

Back to the Oya Story...

After our visit to Samia Saab and our research on Oya, could it still be possible to find Oya in Maghdouche? I haven't seen any black widow since years, not even any old woman wearing a Mandeel anymore! ...But whom to ask about Oya? ...for sure, Let us ask Jamal !!!

Jamal is our neighbour and guardian angel when we are in Beit el Founoun. She offers us juice or a cup of coffee whenever she has time or needs to have a little rest...

... and when we asked her about Oya, she just dissappeared for a while and came back with her mother's Oya (Zakieh) that she kept for years after her mother's death.

She proudly and full with emotions, showed us how to wear it on the head and the correct way for knobbing it.

It was not the best Oya we have seen, not after seeing the big collection of Samia Saab, but it was an Oya coming from old Maghdouche, and that was what made it special. Besides, the wood prints on the textile attracted our curiosityand attention to a possible traditional art technique that dissappeared with the time.

From my childhood, I remember Zakieh wearing her mandeel. It might be this one or another one. It does not matter. What matters now is that we are on the right track and that, by highlighting such thing, our satisfaction is enormous.

Ready for the Season !

Spring is in the air !!! Time to cut the 370 different pelargonium plants and make sticklings, and of course the money goes to our Dignity project...
So friends and pelargonium lovers ! if you need pelargonium sticklings, you know where to go !!! and if you have any particular order or request, please dont hesitate to send your wishing lists or take contact by email.