What $10 Can Buy in Beirut, Lebanon Amidst Economic Hardship

Experiencing Beirut on a Budget

• 💰 Drew Binsky explores what $10 can purchase in Beirut, Lebanon, highlighting the impact of extreme inflation which has made travel surprisingly affordable.
• 🤝 He reconnects with his friend Giorgio, who guides him through the city, showcasing both the renewed areas and the lingering destruction from past events.

Culinary Delights of Lebanon

• 🥙 The first taste is an Armenian-style shawarma, described as pink beef with spices, earning a perfect 10/10 for its unique flavor.
• 🍓 A vibrant and colorful fruit juice cup, featuring avocado and various fruits, is enjoyed, though its size presents a delicious challenge.
• 🧆 Later, fresh falafel is sampled, described as incredibly good and the best thing in the world.

Resilience and Hospitality Amidst Challenges

• 💔 Drew visits the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, hearing Giorgio's harrowing firsthand account of the event and witnessing the ongoing destruction.
• 😔 He notes the stillness and sadness compared to his last visit in 2019, a stark contrast to the once buzzing city, yet emphasizes the strength and resilience of the Lebanese people.
• 💬 Encounters with locals reveal their open and friendly nature, eager to converse with tourists despite the nation's hardships.

Economic Realities and Personal Stories

• 📉 The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value since 2019, with $1 USD now equivalent to 90,000 LBP, plunging millions into poverty.
• 🏦 Many people's savings are frozen in banks, with limited monthly withdrawals, forcing many, including retirees, back into work.
• ☕ A poignant encounter with an elderly man who used to be a construction contractor but now sells coffee highlights the severe economic struggles and lack of support for the elderly.

Evening in Beirut

• 🌃 Despite the difficulties, Beirut's nightlife persists, with a visit to a popular shisha place.
• 💸 The day concludes with a summary of expenses: shawarma, fruit cup, coffee, falafel, and shisha, all totaling $10.