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Lebanon – Biblical Land, crossroads of civilizations and party zone

By on 28. July 2019 in Lebanon, Middle East/Caucasus

Lebanon once shaded by ancient Cedars trees breathes history. Every civilization from the Phoenicians to the French left their mark on the country, its culture and cuisine. In this blog entry I will give an overview of my ten day trip to Lebanon in October 2018 and a shorter trip in April 2019 when on my way to Syria. I was based in Beirut and did day trips to all the places describes in details in each link. Those who still think of Lebanon as a war torn country: the Civil War ended in 1990. Not one tiny second did I feel unsafe, not matter where I went.

 

Mosque, church and Roman ruins in the center of Beirut

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5000 years old Byblos and nearby Jeita Grotto

By on 27. July 2019 in Lebanon, Middle East/Caucasus

Many places on this globe claim to be the oldest, but Byblos truly is!  Byblos has been continuously inhabited for 5000 years. Theoretically only half an hour north of Beirut  and with Jeita Grotto and Lady of the Lebanon nearby makes it Lebanon’s most touristic sight. Byblos has been influenced and controlled by many civilizations,  the Phoenicians, the Egyptians, The Assyrians, the Persians, Alexander the Great, the Romans.

Bylos- Lebanon

Bylos- Lebanon, oldest city in the world, inhabited for 5000 years

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Quadish Valley – Christian Territory

By on 24. July 2019 in Lebanon, Middle East/Caucasus

The Quadish Valley is Christian territory,  many houses are marked by simple crosses and gigantic churches dominate the landscape. But the real highlights are the scenery, the monasteries hewn into step cliffs and the lovely mountain village of Bcharré. Byblos, the oldest town in the world and spectacular Jeita Grotto are sights on the way.

Quadish Valley – Christian territory with Village of Bcharré on top

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Beirut – The Paris of the Middle East

By on 21. July 2019 in Lebanon, Middle East/Caucasus

For many the country is still associated with Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Civil War, even 20 Years after it ended.  What I found was a land of stunning archeological sites, amazing scenery and the best food ever. Every possible civilization that passed through the Middle East has left its traces. I travelled the country alone in October 2018 and not for one tiny second did I feel unsafe. Just the opposite, the Lebanese bend backwards to make you feel welcome. The glamorous days may have passed but the bar and restaurant scene in the districts of Hamra and Gemmayze are as cool and bohemian as in todays Paris.

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque  right next to Maronite Cathedral of Saint George, so very symbolic for Beirut and Lebanon

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Lebanon: How to travel and where to stay

By on 21. July 2019 in Lebanon, Middle East/Caucasus

Most likely a trip through Lebanon starts at Beirut airport. On my first trip I had not arranged a pick-up and was turned not to find a taxi at 2.30am. So I jumped into somebody’s friend’s car that somebody called and felt pretty stupid doing this. On my second trip I had the hotel send me a taxi, which should between 20-25 US (April 2019).Within Beirut I walked a lot and this is the best way to explore the city. I strongly advise to join the  walking tour with Alternative-Beirut at the beginning of your trip. It is a great way to get to know the various neighborhoods of Beirut and to meet people for future outings. To give you an idea of distances, I walked one from the water front to the Nationals Museum without much effort. Even the whole Corniche along the. waterfront can be done.


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