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
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
Byblos
After a morning visiting Jeita Grotto and Harissa, I am keen to get to Byblos. The grotto is a natural wonder, big and impressive, and Harissa has an aura of the pilgrimage, where the significance is not lost on me. … Read the rest
Jeita Grotto and Harissa
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
Beirut
I find myself in Beirut for work, having arrived late last night and worked all day today, I leave the office feeling less than energetic. There is more work to do but I need a walk and a chance to clear my head. … Read the rest
Uplistsikhe & Gori
Uplistsikhe, literally the ‘lord’s fortress’ is a cave town – an ancient city built into the rocks, just outside of Gori around 90 minutes drive from Tbilisi. The drive is quiet and I admire the mountain scenery, picking Sergo’s tour guide brain about all the best places to visit and things to see. … Read the rest
Museums & Monasteries
My first destination this afternoon after exploring some More of Tbilisi is the Museum of Fine Arts. Unfortunately it looks like it’s closed. I check out the Kashueti St George Church briefly and then the Lado Gudiashvilli Art Gallery, giving the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia a miss although there are some cool book topped bollards out the front.… Read the rest
More Of Tbilisi
Yesterday my travel companion Diana and I escaped the city to explore the Kakheti Region for the day. Today, far from being finished with Tbilisi, there is so much yet to explore before Diana’s flight home this afternoon.… Read the rest
Sighnaghi
Sighnaghi, a tiny town in Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region, is an attractive town perched high on a hilltop with sweeping views across the Alazani Valley laid out below. Known affectionately as Georgia’s City of Love, the restored 18th and 19th century architecture of the centre gives the town a relaxed, easy charm focused around its tourist attractions.… Read the rest
Pyramids and Plans
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.
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