Nada Raphael is a Lebanese journalist, storyteller, and traveler, who, together with her partner Joelle Sfeir has co-founded Tourleb, a socially responsible tour operator that aims to promote local, women-owned and family operated businesses while changing the narrative about Lebanon.  Get ready to travel to Lebanon with Nada and me and dismantle some myths about it while we’re at it.  This is Part 1 of our two-part episode and next week, we’ll share Part 2 of our Lebanon conversation with Nada. What you’ll learn in this episode: The complex narratives and histories of LebanonHow Nada’s book project led to the eventual launch of TourlebStarting a new kind of tourism in LebanonWhat the west gets wrong about the Middle East Nada unpacks the statement "It's complicated"Dispelling the myths and misconceptions about traveling to LebanonIs it safe to travel to Lebanon now? Featured on the show:Check out the TourLeb websiteNada's book, Hyphen Islam ChristianityJoe Sacco's Gaza comic bookWanderful's Lebanon chapter announcementFollow TourLeb on Instagram Get more information at: Going Places website Join our Going Places newsletter to get updates on new episodes and Yulia's travel storytelling work. Subscribe at goingplacesmedia.com/newsletter! For more BTS of this podcast follow @goingplacesmedia on Instagram and check out our videos on YouTube! Please head over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE to the show. If you enjoy this conversation, please share it with others on social and don’t forget to tag us @goingplacesmedia! And show us some love, if you have a minute, by rating Going Places or leaving us a review wherever you listen. You’ll be helping us to bend the arc of algorithms towards our community — thank you! Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more.  Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.