"Lebanon" a Lebanon Travel Page by uglyscot

We were in Beirut for a conference; so I had plenty time to see the country while my husband was in meetings.
I wandered around Down town where there has been a lot of reconstruction [ongoing] after the damage done during the war. Then strolled along the Corniche where many of the hotels and American University [AUB] are situated. The famous Pigeon Rocks are a popular feature. There can be seen people scuba diving, canoeing and rafting through the hole in the large rock. Along the shore fishermen patiently sit hoping for a catch.

I was advised to visit Baalbeck . It is the site of the largest Roman temple in the world. There are three temples - the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Venus.
Although ruined, the buildings are very impressive and must have been an amazing sight when new.

The Temple of Bacchus is in remarkably good condition compared to the other two temples.

The background of mountains, still with pockets of snow at the end of May ,makes the wider scene tranquil, and beautiful.

In May it is interesting to see a profusion of wild flowers growing in and around the site.
See my Baalbeck travelogue.

We had trips to the Tannourine National Park and to Ehdin National Park. After a hair-raising journey to reach them, the views from both sites were magnificent. The cedars themselves vary from young trees to those of up to 2000 years in age. In Tannourine there has been trouble from an insect, but this seems to be under control; so only the older trees are in fruit.
At Ehdin the park is a wonderful place to spentd a couple of hours. Apart from the cedars there are pines, oaks, wild apple trees and ash. There are many varieties of wild flowers, and insects and butterflies.
The forest itself is a welcome refuge from the heat. At one point on the path is a natural spring of clear cold water which makes a refreshing drink.