To move, or not to move. That is the question.

Before you get all worried..No. I’m not moving back home just yet. You can’t get rid of me so easily!

That being said, I’m seriously considering moving out of Hamra and into either Monot, Gemmayze, or Achrafieh. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Hamra – so much so in fact, that I hardly ever leave. But, therein lies the problem! I think I have become a little too comfortable, and am ready to step out of my comfort zone once again, and explore some unfamiliar territory. …meet new people, try new restaurants and pubs, peek into all of the charming boutiques and mom-and-pop shops, and simply meandering the winding streets and seeing where I end up, who I meet, and what I discover along the way.

Yes, I’ve gone out in Monot, Gemmayze, and Achrafieh maybe a handful of times..but I really want to get to know these ares of Beirut better. I won’t be in Lebanon forever (well, never say never I guess), and it would be a shame to leave without to getting to really know these parts of the city.

My landlady has done her part in making this decision easy for me. As of July, she is raising the rent $100, and that just ain’t cool. But I have to say, I do live on a pretty prime piece of land (right off of Bliss, near AUB, and 5-10 minutes walk from everything Hamra has to offer). So, I guess I can understand where she is coming from. But stillll!

What do you say?? What would you do if you were me? Stay in Hamra, or move to either Monot, Gemmayze, or Achrafieh..and why? And here comes the all important question. Does anyone know of an apartment in those areas available for rent? I know I have to get a move on it, as finding an apartment here literally means going door to door and talking to the “natour” of every building, and with the Summer season coming up, I need to start on this like YESTERDAY so that the prices don’t go through the roof.. Speaking of “talking to the natour,” any one of you fluent Arabic speakers want to help me bargain?? I’m sure your well aware that only speaking English does not help me in these situations. :D

And finally, is anyone interested in a spacious AND furnished two bedroom apartment which includes a washing machine and dryer? HOLLER back..and I will personally give you a tour of my pimp pad that many would say I’m crazy to give up. $600 per tenant/$1200 total, not including utilities.

Help me make my decision! Stay in Hamra, or move to Monot, Gemmayze, or Achrafieh???!!

HAMRA