BonanzaBean7

This morning, we got up fairly early as we were heading north to see the Cedars of Lebanon. We didn't go straight there, but saw different sights along the way. First was, Mar Antonios Kozhaya in the Zgharta district. It's a monestary in the northern mountians where the first printing press in the Middle East was invented. The press is in Syriac, an extinct language the preceded Arabic. Some of the litergy in the Maronite Church in Lebanon today is still said in Syriac. The press was invented in 1610. In the monestary, there is a museum in which the first press is showcased along with other artifacts. It was amazing to look at the stone tablet with the different Syriac letters carved on them used in the printing press. It was amazing to think that ... read more

I've been debating writing this blog, as it is not a typical blog. Neither is it really about traveling, although I guess in some ways its a unique experience about common struggles regardless of national borders. First, before I jump into this story, I must first explain to those of you who don't know me why this story has affected me so greatly. 2 and a half months ago I donated my kidney to a childhood friend. She was only about 21 when she was diagnosed with FSGS, a rare kidney disease. She was on dialysis for 4 years before she recieved my kidney at the age of 26. Fortunately, she's now doing wonderfully and I of course have healed up well enough to travel internationally. Her story thus far has a very very happy ending. ... read more

Today we went to the village Joanna is from, Derya. It's north of Jbeil, not all that far from Batroun. It was soooo peaceful. Quite a change from the hustle and bustle of jbeil. The Tannous home there is small and quaint. It dates back to before WWI. Exactly when it was built is unknown. Joanna's dad inherited the home from his dad, who inherited it from his, but further than that is unknown. It's made of stone (as are all the homes here). The kitchen is detached. To enter the house, you walk up onto the patio and then enter into the living room. Continuing through the living room, you enter into the the single bedroom. Through the bedroom is the bathroom. As Odette was finishing up the preparations for lunch, Joseph proudly showed me ... read more

Today was another incredible day. Joanna's dad took Joanna and me into Byblos Souk (the old city) to visit the old palace. We took a short little tour through the palace and then walked around some more on our own. Jbeil, also known as Byblos (and 4 other names through it's history) is one of the oldest cities in the world. It dates back to 8,000 years ago!!! Incredible. The palace itself was built during the Roman control of the city. They destroyed the old Pheonician and Egyptian buildings and used those stonese to build the palace. Only a portion of the palace is standing today. Lebanon has been under the control of many different civilizations and Regimes. It was under Pheonician, Egyptian, Roman, Ottoman and French control just to name a few. Definitely a lot ... read more

Another great day! After sleeping in (Lebanese are definitely night owls and NOT early birds), Joelle, Joanna and I went to the "beach". It was actually a beach resort. It was beautiful. We walked down to the big pool surrounded by lounge chairs. A bar was to the far side of the pool and a DJ played hits from the US, Lebanon and Europe. The the side of the big pool, there was a smaller pool with a beautiful waterfall flowing into it. To the other side, the Mediterranean Sea provided a picturesque view. Joelle, Joanna and I spent our time lying on our lounge chairs soaking up the sun and enjoying the cool water of the pool. (A day for which I am now paying with a doooozy of a sunburn. But, well worth it) ... read more