“If I was young I’d leave this town, I’ve buried my dreams underground . . .”

Zach Condon’s “Elephant Gun” is full of energy and uniquely beautiful despite its melancholic tone. This pop song brings us to yet another magical and theatrical world where artists don on classical suits and elegant costumes. All the instruments heard on the background offer a different contribution to this lovely piece of art. The ukulele’s warmth however dominated the whole track, providing a well-balanced contrast to the accordion’s melancholic yet subtly reassuring. And of course, the delicate vocals that is tainted with a little hue of sadness brings the song to a different level, producing a melancholic but amazingly evocative lullaby.

The “Elephant Gun” is a delicate and exquisite pop song spiced up with that oompah feel. Just as interesting as the song is the story behind its composition. Apparently, New Mexican vocalist and writer Zach Condon met a Serbian group of musicians in Paris, France, while he was there during his teenage years. The meet-up was a profound experience for him such that his albums The Flying Club Cup and the Gulag Orkestra obviously show signs of the European influence on the artist. The new album highlights most of his favorite effects including that of the cornet and exquisite coda and the complex string arrangements. Of course, just like his other musical pieces, this new track comes with an overwhelming sense of sappiness, bringing to mind a soothing sense of nostalgia to the listeners.

Here Condon’s vocals comes in complete harmony with all the ingredients of an equally astonishing Rufus Wainwright number sans the dragging show-off elements that diverts most other pieces to exaggerated romanticism. Check out the polished videos at YouTube and see for yourself the magical scenes that come with the magical song.

Beirut – The Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is glad to announce that they have great packages to offer all their guests who will be checking in with them for the holy month of Ramadan as they celebrate with the Muslim world in the spirit of generosity. For this year’s promo, they are offering their guests the chance to stay a little bit longer than they have intended with their package called “Stay Longer-Third Night Free.” This is equivalent to getting a complimentary third night for every two paid nights for those opting for Deluxe accommodations and above—an offer that will allow the guests to enjoy the Mediterranean summer during this very special holiday.

Beirut’s Four Seasons Hotel is perfectly set against the breathtaking backdrop naturally formed with the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It is likewise strategically situated along the luxurious dining and shopping destinations in the city. Historical and cultural structures and monuments are also within easy reach from the hotel.

Of course, the celebration of Ramadan will not be complete without experiencing the world-class culinary team of the Four Seasons Hotel has to offer their guests. One will find delectable treats at the Grill Room for the daily sunset Iftar with their menus offering mouthwatering Oriental dishes and season desserts. The Grill Room offers both indoor and outdoor seats to suit you and your friends’ or family’s needs and preferences. The hotel also holds a lavish Eid El Fitr lunch buffet regularly during this annual celebration of Ramadan.

For those who wish to pamper themselves and get relaxing massages, the hotel has a

“Ramadan is a time for friends and family and Four Seasons Hotel Beirut wanted to give our guests a chance to create more memories with loved ones during this special time,” says Stefan Simkovics, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Beirut. “Lebanon is a dynamic cultural hub and the spirit of Ramadan will lend a unique charm to the city this summer. An extended stay means guests can explore even more of what Beirut has to offer all August,” adds Simkovics.

Travelers who need to recharge and relax can also treat themselves to a personalised pampering session all through the month with the Spa’s new Sodashi treatments and packages.

The Stay Longer – Third Night Free is valid for bookings throughout the month of August 2011. Bookings can be done directly through the hotel’s reservation team, on-line or through travel agents..

A Western Asian country, Lebanon lies on the Mediterranean’s eastern shore. Israel borders it to the south, while to the north and east, there is Syria. The strategic location of the country at the crossroads of the Arabian hinterland and the Mediterranean Basin has greatly shaped its cultural, ethnic, religious, and historical identity.

This diverse country proves very exciting and memorable especially for those first-time visitors who find the people very hospitable and friendly. With the local folks speaking French, Arabic, and English, tourists do not have a problem communicating with them and vice versa.

Leading the lists of places to see in Lebanon are the urban centers of Beirut, Beiteddine, and Anjar. Considered the “Paris of the East,” Beirut itself is a great metropolitan to explore and enjoy. For those wanting a taste of genuine Umayyad collection, Anjar is the place to visit. Travelers looking for the artistic side of the country should visit Beiteddine, which is rich in Arabic historical monuments and architectural designs.

The Jbeil or the Byblos, an ancient Lebanese city, is also one favorite tourist spot in the country. There is also the Holy Valley or the Qadisha Valley, a peaceful sanctuary for those religious travelers and considered one of UNESCO’s global heritage site, along with the ruins of Tyre, Aanjar, Baalbek, and Byblos.

If you’ve watched the Arabian Nights, Tripoli would be a familiar sight. This renowned tourist destination offers a great number of mosques including the world-famous Saint Gilles Citadel. In Zahle, one will be mesmerized with the 18^th century monasteries and other religious structures.

And if you’re looking forward to sate your palate with delectable dishes, Lebanese cuisine will be a great treat. The Arabic influence in Lebanese dishes is obvious in their vegetarian recipes as well as in their stews and salads that are richly flavored.

Among the Arab states in the Middle East region, Lebanon has grown to become the capital of plastic surgery over the last few years. With the mild climate of the Mediterranean, the high level of proficiency of the surgeons, and the affordability of the procedures have won the country more clients over the years.

Brazil Aesthetic Clinic owner Tony Nasara narrated that the plastic surgery boom in the country was first witnessed in the year 2000, right after the Israeli troops were removed from South Lebanon. From that year until 2007, all Lebanon tours that were registered for the purpose of getting plastic surgery showed great numbers.

Although a major decline in the trend was reported—first, after the murder of Rafik Hariri in 2005, and second, during the 2006 Lebanon War—today, the country has already earned the title “Mecca of Plastic Surgery.”

Although women from Muslim countries in the Middle East region are not supposed to show their faces in public, wives of rich Arab businessmen make sure that they are always looking their best. Hence, those whose husbands can afford to hire servants do not have to do any household chore at all so they can spend most of their time paying attention to their appearance.

According to some recent data, the French agency on plastic surgery approximated that 10 million depilation and skin lifting operations and 1.5 million general plastic surgery procedures are conducted in the country alone every year. In Lebanon, it will cost you 2.000 dollars to have your hooked nose fixed, compared to 5.000 dollars that you will have to spend when you get the same operation in London or 10.000 dollars when you have it done in New York. Breast enhancements and unwanted hair removal are some of the more popular procedures done in the country.

Beirut – Lebanon is cradled on the Mediterranean Sea’s eastern shore with Israel and Syria on its borders. And what used to be marked as places to avoid and keep away from, Lebanon and Beirut have transformed to become the hottest and most popular tourist destination for holidaymakers and travelers in 2010.

More and more tourists are opting to explore the Middle East as it offers more adventurous and cheaper options as opposed to the Australian and American tourist spots. With Lebanon being strategically located at the crossroads of the Arabian hinterland and the Mediterranean basin, it is rather rich in terms of ethnic diversity, culture, and history. As such, travelers from around the world find the country a truly authentic holiday destination spot like no other.

Travel editor Tom Hall of the Lonely Planet travel guides said Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey have grown increasingly popular in the list of favorite tourist destinations. This can be attributed to the fact that these regions offer warm hospitability, a rich history, and are uniquely pocket-friendly. Beirut, in particular, has developed to become the most glamorous tourist destination for 2010 from being a literal warzone in the last few decades. Journalists said that part of the city being dangerous gave it the impression that it was one adventurous and exciting place to visit and explore.

Today, Beirut has been completely transformed. Now, it boasts of a unique beauty including new hotels with contemporary and luxury appeal, a reconstructed downtown, more restaurants that offer sublime food, and many more entertainment spots. It has earned the nickname of the “Elizabeth Taylor of the Mediterranean.” New York Times has the city nominated as its top tourist destination in the world.