Beau Rivage Beirut

... museum. It is by far the best we have seen
on our travels so far and better than many in London – so clearly
and beautifully laid out with the serenity of ancient history
pervading the whole building. But then you watch the video of how
the building was brought back to life in 1991 after it have suffered
death by a thousand bullet holes for at least a decade before that.
The magnificent portico columns had been so badly ...

... recent war, Israel dropped over 4 million cluster bomb pellets over Lebanon, a kind of bomb that separates into hundreds of miniature explosives before impact. An estimated 1 million pellets never exploded and currently canvass southern Lebanon, effectively turning the region into an unpredictable network of mine fields. Current mine removal work has slowed due to lack of funding, but I did see two UN mine removal SUVs during my trip. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government is still in ...

... since the end of the 19th century and it is home to many different denominations of churches.  I didn't make the climb to the top but the view I had of the city from my vantage point was amazing.  A stop at Dunkin' Donuts was next up and much needed for all! Bill P-this one's for you!!Finally we got back to the hotel and all of us were exhausted.  We ordered a glass of wine in the lobby and I can't remember what happened after that!

... didn't like Option 1 because if I had to wait for a long period of time at any of the borders we were crossing (because of visas), it was possible that the bus would leave without me thus losing the money I paid for the bus ride. I heard this happens quite often. I didn't like Option 3 as it was going top be too expensive. So through a process of elimination, I decided to go with Option 2. One thing was clear though. I was ready for traveling again. The rest ...

... Flight to Dubai was easy, uneventful and smooth. At this stage, my day was going to plan. In Dubai, I set off the metal detectors AGAIN! (I swear the Dubai airport staff just like frisking me!) and headed to the extensive assortment of duty free shops to pick up some gifts. Rawda sent me a text to check my progress and asked me to text her when we took off so they could start the drive to Beirut. So far, no problems. Flight got called, passport again got checked (if you've ...

... of Amman), especially if you consider construction sites and giant cranes modern, which I do, of course. Interesting city with a lot of beautiful areas like the corniche, the new downtown, and the university campus, all of which contrasted sharply with the heavy military presence. A number of tanks, fences of razorwire, and every now and then a fortified bunker manned by a soldier on top lounging in a chair with one hand smugly fondling the huge automatic weapon protruding from ...

... of the window and saw what must be the nicest view from a McDonalds in all the world: nothing but vivid blue Mediterranean and palm trees! Having returned to the hotel to wash the shame of our McDonalds away with a cold shower, we slipped into something fresh then headed down to Pigeon Rocks for sunset. Rising high out of the sea in a small cove by the main shore-side strip of Beirut, the large rocks are a popular focal point for locals and tourists alike who gather for ...

... told us about living in Beirut with her husband and children until a bomb fell on her house during the war, killing her husband. She brought her three children back to her hometown to grow up on the cliffs. They've all grown up now and left for places like Australia and Germany in search of jobs, but she stays to tell stories to curious travelers like ourselves. Bsharre is full of steps, fountains, and churches. The ...

... to practice their English. Baalbek was originally a Phoenician religious site dedicated to Baal. Baal's cults were big into human sacrifice and blood drinking - the Romans, the big fat party poopers, put an end to the sacrificing but happily took up worshipping Baal's consort, Asarte (Venus in the Roman iteration), in the accepted local fashion - legalised prostitution. The other god associated with Baal, Bacchus, added wine and song to the mix leading to all night ...

... is very hot, and I have never experienced humidity like this before. I saw on t.v. that the humidity was at 80%. WHEEW! The resturaunt is all open, no walls and only a tarpe over head. Aley is alive with shops, horse carriages,tourist attractions,artists and crafts makers, fancy resturaunts, cafes.. and people are everywhere. The views of Beirut from the mountain is breathtaking. More from me later..