Of course in that short flight you go from The West to The Middle East and the culture changes...but the liberal ways of the Lebanese means it is the destination of choice for Arabs who need some 'oxygen'. You'll see fewer burqas in Beirut than you will in London.
Downtown Beirut
Well, what else would you eat in Lebanon...
Iranian style mosque
A rare sight...The Cat's Mother in the sea when we were in Cyprus
The green frog took refuge in the Bird of Paradise plant in Grandma in Cyprus' garden
It says "Do Not Cross". Still in Cyprus
Beirut by night
Loved this tree in Byblos
Byblos fishing port
...very popular with Iranian day-trippers
You take the cable car at Harissa
Those are bullet holes...many reminders of many battles
Soon to be demolished cinema
Playing dead
Baking Lebanese pizza - delicious with thyme
Drying soaps at the factory
An ancient Lebanese gnome
How cool is this!
Beautiful, beautiful statuettes
Lebanese wine...some of it is truly delicious
So the Star of David is not just a Jewish emblem
Nor is the swastika just Nazi or Hindu
Amazing Roman ruins at Baalbec
Judge the size by finding the people!
A very popular man - the Iranians are effectively paying for rebuilding the southern suburbs of Beirut, giving people money for new furniture after their homes were destroyed by the Israeli invasion, and providing a monthly income.
The night before we left on holiday, it was the OBs Dinner....amazingly everything had fallen into place. I got to practice being a bouncer - throwing out one very, very, very drunk individual. I was quite pleased as he was twice my height and indeed width, but I guess I had the authority of age. If all else fails, I guess it could mean a new career at any of the local clubs....
Generally drinking was more moderate than it had been...but I was amused that The Last To Leave was the headmistress, and I don't think I would be sued if I mentioned that she was somewhat cheerful...