"Beirut - ... " a Beirut Travel Page by MM212

PEACE FOREVER!



Beirut is Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and European, tri-lingual, multi-cultural, and blends the passions of the east with the refinement of the west. Its rich history and architectural heritage span many millenia and civilisations, with traces of ancient Berytus still visible to this day. Beirut has the appearance of a wealthy Mediterranean city, linked historically and culturally with other ancient cities across this vast sea, though both the European silhouette and the apparent affluence are a stark contrast to the rest of Lebanon.

Buildings in the downtown area have been meticulously restored since the '75-'89 war. Most of these buildings were originally built in the early 20th century, tastefully combining elements of European and Middle Eastern architecture. See my travel tips for examples of this architecture.

Together!

My first visit to Beirut and Lebanon was in March 2005 and I immediately fell in love with the country. I had the opportunity to see Lebanon during interesting times on this trip. Demonstrations were being held on a daily basis following the assassination of Rafic Hariri. It was wonderful to see Lebanon united! Check out my Travelogue Remembering the Civil War below for my perspective.

By chance, I managed to go again in November 2005, and yet again in June 2006, and enjoyed Beirut even more. These times, I was able to really observe how the Lebanese lived their lives, being less distracted with demonstrations. Beirutis are very bons vivants! Unfortunately, a month later, Lebanon was attacked by Israel in its unsuccessful effort to weaken its nemesis. The result was quite the reverse and Lebanon plunged into chaos.

Finally, I made a surprise stop, albeit brief, in March 2008 on my way to the Beirut Airport from Damascus. Due to the Arab Summit held in Damascus at the end of March, the airport closed for 3 days, so I was re-routed to fly out of Beirut. I stopped for a brief visit of the downtown area for lunch and a stroll. At this time, demonstrations were being held against the "president-less" government, with large sections of downtown area blocked off. This has caused tourism to drop to zero and many Lebanese to emigrate once again, and consequently, many businesses have had to shut or scale down. Yet construction continues in preparation for the next moment of stability when Beirut will rise yet again. And inshallah it will!

With its beautiful architecture and scenery, delicious cuisine, exciting nightlife and amazing history, Beirut is a destination not to be missed... (when the current political stalemate is over).

Lebanon itinerary in March 2005:

Beirut - Beqaa Valley - Baalbek - Aanjar - Liban Nord (northern Lebanon) - El Arz - Tripoli - Mont Liban - Byblos - Tyre - Sidon

Lebanon itinerary in November 2005:

Beirut - Liban Nord (northern Lebanon) - Tripoli - Beqaa Valley - Baalbek - Aanjar - Mont Liban - Byblos

Lebanon itinerary in June 2006:

Just Beirut

Syria & Lebanon itinerary in March 2008:

Syria - Beqaa Valley- Beirut