National Museum of Beirut – Jewelry

Pectoral (top) – gold and semi-precious stones, Byblos, 18th Century BC.
Pectoral (bottom) – gold

As I begin writing about the artifacts contained in the National Museum of Beirut, my enthusiasm carries me away and there ends up being too many favorites to fit into just one post.… Read the rest

National Museum of Beirut – Sarcophagi

National Museum of Beirut

This fabulous museum is hidden behind construction work as I approach with my luggage.  It’s my last stop in Beirut before I have to leave and it’s most definitely a must see.

I work my way around the museum, starting on the entrance level, followed by the basement exhibits and leaving the first floor until last. … Read the rest

Lebanese Hospitality

Cafe CentreVille (downstairs from Al-Sultan Brahim) with the Al Majidieh Mosque lit up in the background

Lebanon. The history! The culture! The food!  Oh, the food.  But nothing brings this all together to be so delightful, so delectable, so enjoyable than the hospitality. … Read the rest

Jeita Grotto and Harissa

Lower Grotto – photo from the Ministry of Tourism brochure of Jeita Grotto

My tour is booked and I wake up early in anticipation, earlier than I would wish given how busy the week has been.  I am ready in the lobby on the dot of 8am for my 8-8:30am pick up. … Read the rest

Tips & Toes

Mother’s Day flowers

I had a really lovely Mother’s Day this year, Tips & Toes being a highlight.  I admit that it’s not quite the same as being in Australia – there were no Mother’s Day school craft or activities to attend and I saw the photos from the annual Mothers Of Boys event with a little pang of regret. … Read the rest

Pyramids and Plans

The Pyramids of Giza

That first taste.  That first glimpse.  It’s never enough.  It only serves to whet the appetite, as the saying goes.  Likewise my first glimpses of Cairo. Plans are swirling.

Morning on the Nile

This is a business trip and, despite knowing that there will most likely not be time to take in the sights, I plan in spite of myself, hopes soaring. … Read the rest

Beautiful Places

The Yacht Club restaurant

I am blessed to have many Beautiful People in my life.  Today, we’re celebrating the birthday of one of those beautiful people, Candida.  Not only do we get to celebrate with her on her special day but we have been invited to do so in a particularly beautiful place.… Read the rest