 Lebanon |
AfricaAntarcticaAsiaCentral America CaribbeanEuropeMiddle EastNorth AmericaOceaniaSouth AmericaOceans and Seas
We had a very short, but sweet (!), trip to Lebanon.
After Syria, Lebanon felt very modern. For example, we hadn't seen a Starbucks, McDonalds (or any chain store) or a "cool" area of town. In Lebanon all was different and we felt like we were in a very Western city.
Still, there is a very sad side to Lebanon, which also is very apparent. In Beirut there are traces of the war that stand out prominently against the most beautiful and modern areas of town (especially - see the hotel pic - how much has changed in the past couple of years). Not taking any "sides", I just find it sad. In particular because I have two very lovely friends from Beirut, who I have known for years. My personal connections bring the situation, perhaps, closer to my heart.
That said, we truly enjoyed walking along the seafront, eating French and Italian food and soaking up the city's spirit!
We also took a trip to the lovely Roman ruins of Baalbeck (with Leah - our Aussie travel buddy of late!). Although it wasn't as large as the sites we saw in Efesus (Turkey) and Palmyra (Syria), the ruins truly lived up to its reputation as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Keep reading - Jordan is coming soon!!
Beirut
From 2006 Lonely Planet - Middle East: "Lord's Hotel" - "the great location close to the seafront makes it a good summer choice..."
8 Comments - Add Public Comment or Send Private Message
October 19th 2008 - Annette:
It's really nice to read your stories! :)
October 19th 2008 - Aunt Joan: Lebanon
Heather, I've been saving your delightful blog episodes and plan to print them to assemble in a looseleaf-type notebook to send as a surprise to Aunt Greta and Uncle Joe, who, as you know,do not have a computer. Then I'll send along updates which they can add to their personal record of the ventures you and Florian are experiencing. We look forward to these blog entries! -- Aunt Joan
October 20th 2008 - paula: Lovely beirut
Florian, dear, I love Lebanon!!!
Very nice pics!!!
Enjoy your fabulous trip and take care!
Kisses from Brasil,
paula
October 24th 2008 - Lara: Bread
Hey Heather,
I love the bread seller on the street, although I have to confess I thought they looked like purses when I first looked at them (am I the only one who thought that?)
Hugs from New York
October 25th 2008 - Dr. C:
Looks like you guys are having fun! Enjoy!
October 28th 2008 - Lisa & Chris: Thank you!
For the postcard from Syria. Now, though, reading the news, I am glad that you have your Syrian experience behind you. Looking forward to hearing your further adventures!
Love,
Lisa, Chris, Erik, Noah & Luc
Hi Aunt Joan,
What a fabulous idea! It would be wonderful if they could take part as well!
Much love,
Heather
November 20th 2008 - Lucig: Beirut?
Florian: So you made it all the way to Baalback and missed Anjar and Zahle? That's crazy. Anjar is my hometown. Wished I had known...
You guys look happy. Enjoy the rest of your trip and don't forget to taste Egyption FOUL (Fava Beans).
All Comments
Copyright notice.
The text and photos of this article remain the copyright of the Author (Heather & Florian). Under no circumstances should the photos or text be used without the express written permission of the Author (Heather & Florian). If you wish to use or publish photos or text from this article - please
Contact Heather & Florian.