One week in Lebanon

For those of you who are in a rush, I created a 14 photo ‘best of’ slideshow of my trip above. For a more detailed account of the week I spent in Lebanon, have a look below! :)

On the first day of my trip, I allowed myself a bit of time to settle in and get used to my new digs in the center of Hamra, the most ‘happening’ neighborhood in Beirut. It was a rainy day but I headed out for a troll through the campus of the American University of Beirut, to the seashore promenade.

The day after, I had signed up for a tour by a local guide, who showed me around Beirut. It would turn out to be pretty much the best day for my photography, ever.

Downtown Beirut

The private tour ended near the Pigeon Rocks, where I noticed a few people climbing down, so I followed suit…

The image below is still my favorite one from the whole trip. I really liked the randomness that kind of characterizes Beirut and Lebanon as a whole.

The next day I decided to hire a private driver and go for a road trip to the Jeita grotto, Harissa & Byblos. Unfortunately no photography is allowed in the impressively beautiful Jeita grotto, but I am a rebel and snuck in my iPhone anyway to take a photo. ;)

Harissa – Our Lady of Lebanon

Byblos

It is one of the cities suggested as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and the site has been continuously inhabited since 5000 BC. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Street photography in Beirut

Anjar

The city of Anjar, just 2 km away from the Syrian border, was founded by Caliph Walid I at the beginning of the 8th century. The ruins reveal a very regular layout, reminiscent of the palace-cities of ancient times and are well worth a visit.

Baalbek

Baalbek, with its colossal structures, is one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its apogee, and definitely one of the most impressive ruins I’ve ever visited. No photo does justice to the enormity of the site, or its impressive history.