Ahlan bikum. That's all it takes. The simple Arabic greeting of "Hello everyone" makes my heart pitter-patter.
It's true. I couldn't love BBC Arabic podcast more than I do.
Unlike so many other outlets of Arab media, BBC Arabic presents an objective view on some of the most fascinating issues in the Arab world (at least to me). Of course, it doesn't hurt that although the speakers are supposed to speak Modern Standard Arabic, they often revert to their Gulf dialect, the only dialect that I can easily understand.
In general, I love podcasts. LOVE THEM. The BBC offers podcasts in all different languages and topics and they're all on iTunes.
So if you have that sudden urge to feel the sand on the shores of Beirut or peruse the markets of Dubai, think it over, get some Turkish coffee and relax with BBC Arabic.
