Travel, life, loves and laughs.
Nothing has really prepared me for the enormity of what I am to witness first hand at the site of the ancient city of Baalbek – the historical and cultural significance is overwhelming. In some ways larger and more interesting than either the Roman Forum or the Parthenon, Baalbek exists in Western Lebanon in the Beqaa Valley, nestled between the Mount Lebanon Ranges to the west and Syrian Coastal Mountain Range (Bargylus) to the east.… Read the rest
The Cedars of God, an oasis of precious cedar trees. Specifically the Lebanon cedar which is a species native to the mountains around Bsharri in the Kadisha Valley.
Once the mountains here were covered with forests of cedars.… Read the rest
On the other side of the Kadisha Valley to the St. Simon Monastery where we have just come from visiting the tiny hermit’s cave, is the Gibran Museum in Bsharri.
Once a monastery, the building was bought by Gibran’s benefactor after the Lebanese – American writer, poet and artist, expressed his wishes to be buried in Lebanon.… Read the rest
Francoise, my tour guide, along with Patrick, our driver, pick me up from my hotel for a visit to the Kadisha Valley. We have agreed on an 8am start and I am taken by surprise a little after 7:30am.… Read the rest
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. So, I have divided the five original subheadings into separate posts.… Read the rest
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
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
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
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
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