Lebanon

Flew into the city of Beirut and then drove to the town of Jounieh. Flying to Beirut took me through Istanbul. Making the arrangement from Berlin was really easy using Expedia. Admittedly, I had trepidations due to recent conflicts and the U.S. State Department saying “Don’t go”. But my son was already there and said the coast was clear. I felt safe the entire time. We had a rental car which is a departure from my other travel destinations. It was good because the bus system is sketchy – not the normal Google Maps quality bus system.

We had a really great local guide – a friend my son hooked up with when he first arrived a couple weeks earlier. His name was Roy and he was fun and friendly. He was also knowledgeable and passionate about Lebanon.

The main locations we saw in my three days included: 1) Taking the gondola and Bergbahn up to Harissa to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon. Stunning views at sunset and such a reverent atmosphere!! The shrine is beautiful. 2) Saint Maron in Annaya, near the Batroun district where Saint Sharbel lived. He was a revered Lebanese Maronite monk and hermit who lived in the 19th century and has a strong following. 3) The town of Batroun where there is a Phoenician sea wall! Batroun also has a very nicely constructed Diaspora. 4) The town of Byblos, the 2nd longest continuously inhabited city in the world, Damascus holding the title of THE longest.