Category Archives: Blog

In my class on mysticism yesterday in Beirut, my students and I discussed the great Sufi philosopher al-Ghazali. The Alchemist of Happiness, a film named after one of his celebrated works, portrays the drama of his spiritual quest, and highlights some of the main themes in his writings…

One of my favorite things to do in Oman is dune bashing in the desert–it’s an incredible adrenaline rush…

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a diplomatic reception hosted by the Indonesian Embassy at the Hilton in Beirut. I’m very grateful for the Indonesian ambassador’s invitation–I had a wonderful time, and loved seeing slices of Indonesian performance in Lebanon. A group of Indonesian UN troops even played an angklung version of “I Will Survive.” The demonstration of pencak silat–the Javanese martial art I studied this summer in Java while on a Fulbright–brought back fond memories of my time in Indonesia. And I was definitely the only non-Indonesian wearing batik!

I’m riding high from an amazing camel trek deep into the desert dunes of Oman–I’m crazy for camels…

I always feel right at home in the vast expanse and powerful peace of the shifting sands of Oman–pure paradise…

After a morning stroll on the Corniche in Muscat, I stepped into the Old Mutrah Souq to survey its antique shops–filled with Indian and Omani treasures, and the rich scent of frankincense…

Today, I started off my morning in Muscat with a lovely swim in the Gulf of Oman–pure bliss, total ecstasy…

One of the highlights of my trip to Oman has been meditating in the morning in the breathtaking beauty of the desert sands…such peace to be found in all directions…

To the Citadel of Charm, to the Fortress of Mystery –
You are the only key! The only key is you!
Then let us, let us know!
Then let us know!

— Rumi

Here is a trailer for the film The Valley. This latest feature from Lebanese writer-director Ghassan Salhab on “amnesia” was shot in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley…