"I opted to give this interview in Lebanese Arabic. I felt I needed to do that. So here is a general translation of what I said.

My story is a Lebanese story. One of migration and adaptation. Leaving Lebanon by boat with my German husband in 1987 was a dramatic experience, as I left my family and friends behind. War was still raging in Lebanon and the future was unknown.
I soon adapted to life in Germany, and plunged into my new German existence. I loved their food, history and culture. I learned a lot from Germany. I learned to appreciate my own culture and to be very proud of it.
With time I began to miss Lebanon more and more.
Through food I could relate again to the flavors of home, and started my cooking classes in 1995. The school I am teaching in is common in all German towns and cities. The VHS emerged after WWI as an educational institution. I will be soon celebrating the 30th anniversary.
I am also glad that I have never stopped visiting Lebanon, and taught my children to love and respect our Lebanese culture and traditions.
My answer to the last question: What is Lebanon to you? Lebanon is a school. In Lebanon, you learn to co-exist in a multicultural society. You learn to stand on your own feet as the system there doesn’t help you much. Lebanon is a strong school that gives you all the credentials to succeed anywhere in the world. That is why I love Lebanon so much."

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