I never expected to travel to Lebanon, but after being dropped off at the Amman Airport by a friend I met at the Bedouin Camp, I decided to buy a same-day ticket from Amman to Beirut, and see what happened.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with Lebanon. The country and people were absolutely wonderful, and despite the reputation with war and conflict in the region, I found it peaceful, comfortable, and beautiful.
Beirut stood out as a hip, cosmopolitan capital with a distinct French colonial vibe, happening nightlife, vibrant arts and entertainment scene, and thriving international culture.
Arriving in Lebanon, the city is built up, and relatively clean.
There
In Beirut, I stayed at Hostel Beirut, one of the newer hostels in Beirut, and THE BEST hostel around. Easily ranks in my top 5 hostels, worldwide. The staff is great, space is clean, location is perfect, and other guests like an instant family. My first night in Beirut, went out with a bunch of the other travelers staying there
Among the kitchy items at Hostel Beirut is this old school arabic typewriter
Exploring the city of Beirut, Lebanon, I was delighted by the French colonial influence, modern arabic culture, and mix of old and new.
Exploring the city of Beirut, Lebanon, I was delighted by the French colonial influence, modern arabic culture, and mix of old and new.
Exploring the city of Beirut, Lebanon, I was delighted by the French colonial influence, modern arabic culture, and mix of old and new.
Exploring the city of Beirut, Lebanon, I was delighted by the French colonial influence, modern arabic culture, and mix of old and new.
Exploring the city of Beirut, Lebanon, I was delighted by the French colonial influence, modern arabic culture, and mix of old and new.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
Day two, my new friend Magdalena and I took a trip via public bus up to Tripoli to explore the market and citadel. In the evening, we enjoyed a beer or two at a beach restaurant in Byblos. We also saw a bit more military buildup than in Beirut.
In Beirut, I stayed at Hostel Beirut, one of the newer hostels in Beirut, and THE BEST hostel around. Easily ranks in my top 5 hostels, worldwide. The staff is great, space is clean, location is perfect, and other guests like an instant family. My first night in Beirut, went out with a bunch of the other travelers staying there
For the next few days, I set out on an epic road trip through southern Lebanon with a few more friends from the hostel.
For the next few days, I set out on an epic road trip through southern Lebanon with a few more friends from the hostel.
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That night in Tyre, we found a Convent deep in the dark market, and got rooms for the night
That night in Tyre, we found a Convent deep in the dark market, and got rooms for the night
That night in Tyre, we found a Convent deep in the dark market, and got rooms for the night
That night in Tyre, we found a Convent deep in the dark market, and got rooms for the night
That night in Tyre, we found a Convent deep in the dark market, and got rooms for the night
Exploring the mountains the next day, we noticed a bunch of UN Observer convoys
Exploring the mountains the next day, we noticed a bunch of UN Observer convoys
And finally, had a great day at the beach!
We also explored Cana, site of Israeli bombings in 1996 and 2006
We also explored Cana, site of Israeli bombings in 1996 and 2006
We also explored Cana, site of Israeli bombings in 1996 and 2006