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We had arranged for a taxi driver to pick us up from our hotel on Wed morning to take us to the airport but I wasn't sure if he would show up or not so I ended up asking the hotel to call for one. That's when the fun began. Because my taxi driver showed up the concierge didn't want me to take it because as I found out later they get paid $15 euros for each driver they call. They practically got into a fist fight in front of us before I finally just told my driver that we should go and the concierge should cancel the other car.
After all that excitement it was pretty calm getting through security at the airport. We had an extra seat beside us so Sophie ended up sleeping a little bit on the flight to Beirut. It was a 4 hour flight that was uneventful. We cleared customs pretty quickly after Sophie sweet talked the customs agent. I guess no one told her that you're not suppose to talk to them unless they ask you questions. He did ask us where we were staying and I had no idea what Eddie's address
was. So I had to give them his cell phone # in case they needed to track us down.
There were tons of people waiting to greet everyone and Sophie couldn't wait to see her dad. So after seeing Alfred, Sami, Dani and Eddie we drove to his place in the hills of Junieh. The traffic in Beirut has increased since the last time I was here and there aren't so many checkpoints like last time. Other than that it doesn't seem like much has changed. At least not on the surface.
Eddie has a really great flat that overlooks the bay of Junieh. About 20 people came to his house that night to welcome us and it was really great to see everyone after 8 years. Lots of great food and conversation. I'm brushing up on my French and Arabic again! No card playing yet but soon.
Today we slept in until noon after such a big night. We went swimming at the club and then drove out to the village to greet everyone and have more great Lebanese food! The weather has been spectacular.
That's the update for now. I'm not sure when I will get
back on the internet but know that Sophie and I are having a great time.
Kristin
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Stefanie
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So glad...
you and Sophie made it there safe! Can't wait to hear all about Beirut! Will you be eating at McDonald's there too??