Al Manara Hotel Al Bayda

... br><br><br><br><br >It was easy to see why this place was the stomping ground of many of the rich and famous in the swinging 60's. International celebrities would come by the yacht-load to enjoy the glamorous Mediterranean scene. One of the great hosts in these days was a local guy called Pepe, who ran restaurant and threw many a party for the likes of Jacques Cousteau or Bridget Bardot. (100's of photos of Pepe and celebrates wallpaper the ...

... gave one of her friends the money and he and I went and picked out our kebabs. A little later two young guys drove me around the area and drove me to a music shop so I could buy a CD. I then was introduced to two more men from Hezbolla and they shook my hand saying, "welcome to Lebanon!" Yes, the Hezbollah area was very poor and rundown but the people that I met were very kind and made me feel welcome.

... there were photographers capturing each moment. Drinks were on the house and flowing. After lunch, we went into the pool and continued with more drinks. From shots of vodka, to glasses upon glasses of vodka cranberry, to flutes of champagne and wine... I was by the end of the night... *********d. I never thought I would relive LA 2007.... but here we are in Lebanon, and what a horrible feeling it was ...

Well another day in Halba. We'd kind of floated the idea of going to Tripoli today, but watching the morning news and calls to friends and family kind of vetoed that idea, since pretty much everything was closed (including the Macca's and KFC. Rawda's quite keen to compare the Lebanon Maccas to the Halal one on Sydney Rd, then get me to compare Lebanon Maccas to the normal variety). Rawda called their local travel agent today, who ...

... notice. * There are road blocks and burning tyres in several parts of Beirut. Access routes to and from the airport have been blocked and remain uncertain. Access routes to the airport may continue to be disrupted without notice. Airport operations have also been temporarily disrupted. Further disruptions and flight cancellations are possible. You should check with you airline for up to date information on airport operations and flights. * You ...

... not look nervous; an alert nonchalant stance is best, 3) under no circumstances attempt to take photographs, and 4) switch on the cars interior light at night when approaching so that they can see you. When approaching the check point slow down to a gentle roll and act as if you are going to stop, but don't actually stop unless you're told to. If you are told "Yameen" that means "Right" and you are expected to pull over to the right for further questioning (this never happens when ...

Hey everyone I am in beirut (sorry mum). And the israelis attacked in the south last night and also the airport was bombed although only the runway. The lebonese are pretty relaxed about the whole thing and reckopn it will be sorted ut by tomorrow. but I am mainly writing to let every one know I am ok. Will keep you all updated but dont worry too much. Im not worrying. We will try to leave tomorrow... Welcome to the middle east eh? Heaps of love Marc

... In deference to the prevailing peace the APCs on the street corners still have the covers on their turret guns. Downtown is being, via assistance from massive international debt write-off, completely restored (actually they're trying to replicate it, but, as not much of the original buildings remain, it's all a bit hard edged and clean). Amid the cacophony of jack hammers and constantly horn riding traffic you can wander wide boulevards lined with fine ...

... there were policemen every few blocks. At least one armed offical can be found at pretty much any high traffic area. I suppose that if I saw enough of these gun wielding policemen, it wouldn't be worth mentionning. But apparently I need to see a lot of guns before I am so saturated that I ignore it. The exact purpose of these guards has been debated by those at the pension Al Nazih. Some said that they are harmless and just for show. Others said that something just ...

CAUTION: As I looked over my entry for Lebanon, I realized that one may get the wrong impression of the country by looking at my images. My most andrenaline packed and memorable experience in Lebanon was a visit, which I took to the largest Palestinian Refugee camp in Lebanon, Ein Hilewe. It just so happened that the day I visited was the 2nd anniversary of the intifada ( The Palestinian uprising which is responsible for most of the bloody headlines you see on CNN ). Thinking I ...