10 Things Any Lebanese Non-Driver Can Relate To

Too young, don’t have a car, parents are worried about you (even though you’re 20 years old), or you just don’t like driving? Every Lebanese non-driver has their reason for not getting behind the wheel. Here are some things we can all relate to.

1. You have to bargain for a 100,000LL service

Driver: “Hbb el service bi 150,000LL”

Me: “Tab masheena”

The driver reluctantly lets you in but reminds you that he’s not happy about it for the ENTIRE ride.

2. The service driver will want more than the standard rate

Driver: “Ya khaye, ma 3m twafee ma3e el 150,000”

In these cases, you ponder the philosophical question of “meen 3m ytarbish meen?”

3. You’ll face family scrutiny, despite the fact that none of them want to buy you a car

Random relative: “Ma32oul chab seret 2ad el beb w ma 3m tsoo2?”

4. You beg your parents to drive you around

Please baba wasalne 3a taree2ak 🥹

5. Parents constantly tell you to walk

“Rou7 mashe”

No, dad, it’s not good exercise!

6. You use public transportation for trips out of the city

El na2al el 3am ma hek bi Europe…

But still, here are 8 Ways Lebanon Is Better Than Austria, Europe’s Happiest Country.

^{Photo by Greg Demarque.}

7. You sometimes have awkward van rides in the WORST seat possible

The long van ride where you end up in the seat facing everyone….so awkward.

8. You constantly beg friends for a ride home

Baytak 7ad bayte…practically. I’m only like 20 different exits away.

9. And they tease you about relying on them for rides…

Friend: “Ma ha ta3teane ejret el taree2 la2ne wasaltak?”

Haven’t heard that one before.

10. You get used to the non-driving life

Well, you might think it’s bad, but I never have to think about parking, benzene, or motorcycles scratching my car.