11 reasons why I still #LiveLoveLebanon despite the trash

This trash situation has gotten ridiculously and absurdly out of hand. Nobody can really deny that and it doesn't look like any solutions are coming from politicians any time soon.

It's becoming quite depressing actually, to see things getting so rough. It adds to the mountain of issues to complain about. I could go on and on about the trash crisis, the lack of electricity, the shortage of water, the absence of elections and the fact that my bedroom floods a little every time it rains, but instead, I'm deciding to focus on the positives for a minute.

Despite all of the bad, there are still so many amazing things about Lebanon. Here are 11:

I'm fortunate to have Lebanese friends with the same amount of wanderlust as myself. This has allowed me to spend countless weekends touring Lebanon's remote mountain villages as well as everything between north of Tripoli to south of Tyre. Even after three years of traveling around this country on weekends, it always seems like there is something new to discover.

Whether you're partying on the weekends, at the beach or touring around the country, it always seems like something exciting is happening. There is an unexplainable vibrance and energy radiating everywhere.

With a potential close competitor being Mexican food, Lebanese food is – in my opinion – the best food in the world. I honestly never get sick of eating mezze or having manakeesh in the morning. Also, a lot of recent studies have shown that the "Mediterranean diet" may have some serious health benefits.

In Lebanon, I have made more friends than I could ever have imagined. I've met people from all over the world who came here for short periods of time or who have been living here for many years. My Lebanese friends have invited me into their homes, taken me on road trips around the country and many have become like family.

I don't know if it's the same in other countries but I feel like Lebanon must have some kind of record for the most fan page accounts on Instagram. With all the "Live Love" accounts, it's easy to find new inspiring locations to explore and see on the weekends.

For the record, I don't actually drink, but I still love the party atmosphere of Lebanon's numerous venues and drinking locations. Some weekends it's fun to just walk the streets of Mar Mikhael or Hamra to see who you meet on the streets. Other weekends its time to head to one of Beirut's awesome clubs to dance the night/morning away.

It seems like people are always coming and leaving from Lebanon. Locals are constantly heading abroad for new opportunities or coming back to visit family. Foreigners are constantly coming and going to study or work. In ways it's sad, but in other ways it adds to the narrative of this place. It adds to the diversity and increases the country's international vibe.

Fiji and the Maldives might boast the finest beaches in the world but Lebanon's Mediterranean shores are definitely worth a mention as well. The combination of beach and mountains within such close proximity allows us the luxury of having our cake and eating it too, for once.

Honestly, I don't know how to explain it but so many of my Lebanese friends have said they feel the same way. When you see Beirut from the plane window before landing and when you feel the wheels touch down on the runway, there is this feeling of excitement and peace. You're home.

From art exhibitions to film screenings to constant live music shows, there is always something cultural and artsy taking place. The additional great thing is that a lot of the time these things are very affordable or even free.

Lebanon and the people here have truly inspired me with their strength and resilience. Despite the trash, despite the bombs, despite ISIS next door, Lebanon somehow keeps moving forward. The future looks murky a lot of the time but life continues.