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Published: July 13th 2012
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Yesterday (Wednesday) we went to Harissa to the "Our Lady of Lebanon". It's a large statue of the virgin Mary on top of a mountain. We walked up the foot of the statue and had a wonderful view. After that, Joanna, Micha and I rode on the "Telefrique", the cable down the mountain. When we got into the car to head down, Micha was freaking out. =) It was really cute. She did just fine. =) From there, we really had a good view of the surrounding area. =) When we got to the bottom, we turned around and headed right back up. Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling very well. So, as soon as we got home, I headed straight for bed.
Today, I was feeling much better (at least until the evening), which was very good 'cause today was just an incredible day. Our first stop today was Mussaylha, a fort just outside of Batroun. It's dated back to the 1600s. The fort is on top of a natural rock and made for the perfect look out point.
From there we drove on to Saydet Al Nouriyye, a church built into the side of the mountian. The church was
built in 503. It has since been restored and newer sections have been built, leaving some of the older secitons in ruins. The walk down, made much easier by the stairs that were built in the early 2000s, is simply magnificient with breathtaking views of the pristine emerald water of the Mediterranean Sea and a perfect view of Chekka. During the Ottoman rule and during the civil war, many Christians sought refuge at this church from religious prosecution. Hiding out in the caves.
We then enjoyed a nice drive through the countryside on our way to the village Marmema. Joanna's cousin Samer is from here and he was throwing a dinner party tonigt and invited us. =) Their home in the village is a small studio home, but with a beautiful patio. Just perfect for entertaining. =) Everything was being set up for the family and friends who would be arriving later.
We were there early, so Joseph had us pile back into the car and he took us on a tour of the surrounding villages. He drove us to Qattara-Mayfouq. It's a village deep in the mountains. We stopped at a church, which Joseph said was also
a place of refuge for many of the Lebanese Force soldiers during the civil war. We drove around the mountains, taking small back roads that wound up and down as he regaled us with stories of the war and the struggles of the Maronite people, stories of persecution and perserverence. It was amazing to think of all the history those little villages could recount. All the stories, both happy and tragic.
Part of me has been amazed at all the churches here, and how religion seems to permiate almost everything here. However, when some of the stories of religious persecution only date back to less than a decade ago, religion is not just something that you say you are. But rather is something that for many, they have died struggling for the right to believe.
We rejoined the dinner party and around 9pm the meal was about ready to begin. It was a fun night filled with great company and delicious food. It really was a beautiful, relaxing, and powerful day.
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