And here's to BEIRUT!!: Jan 24-31

   

   

  

   

To one of the raddest cities on Earth, til we meet again.

One hundred %

Byblos: Jan 27

Raced through the ancient (word over-use alert) Phoenician port and fishing city of Byblos to catch the
seaside at sunset.

I'll tell you why Lebanon is so cool: It's an ittybitty country with frequent bus "schedules."
Our trip to Byblos (a bit north of Beirut) required a glance at the Lonely Planet mini-chapter
a la iPod and about half an hour of discussion after waking up (and enjoying our blessed
Dunkin' Donuts...for the third day in a row).
What a magical place it is.

Baalbek: Jan 25

Rain on a day visit to Baalbek, site of the Middle East's largest Roman ruins, added some serious mysticism to the history of Lebanon's Beqaa Valley.

The sanctuaries of old Heliopolis are magnificently preserved and outshine many in Rome itself!
(from personal experience)

Being theatrical and sculptural--in true Roman suit.

Rivaling the impressiveness of the ruins was the meal we experienced in the town of Baalbek.*

**Baalbek is the city headquarters of Lebanon's militant Hezbollah party. Needless to say I don't think Western (esp. American) visitors venture into the city too frequently. We set out on a soldier guard's broken English recommendation for the restaurant, followed at the heels of an elderly local man who suggested he knew the way, and were frankly a little surprised to find a fantastic restaurant at the end of the trail instead of something more...vehemently anti-Israeli (to put it politely).

We must have stayed for hours. Incredible mezzes. Wonderful raw meat (especially delicious in meat-on-meat combos). A stellar narghile (hookah). AND THIS PLATTER OF FRUIT. Easily the weirdest, most ecstatic dining experience of my life.