Beirut

We said our goodbyes to Hussein and met our driver for the trip back to Beirut, a trip that was thankfully less eventful than the ice and snow-covered drive on the way in. We had a free day and booked a tour to Baalbek, a city a little outside of Beirut and home to a massive Roman temple complex. It’s a very popular tourist site and also a bit of a strong hold for Hezbollah, but aside from some propaganda-laden billboards, things were quiet while we were there. The temple grounds were gorgeous and well maintained, despite the political difficulties present. Mike even found a litter of puppies snoozing in the afternoon sun.

We had the evening to wander around and grabbed some dinner at a little know restaurant called KFC. Why? Well, it was a spot that was away from the local Hezbollah-related rallies that popped up while we were on the way to find a local dinner spot. Safety first, and fried chicken is pretty hard to get wrong, so we made the best of our last night.

We fly back tomorrow and this trip has been sobering and exhilarating. It was great to get some time to just hang out with Mike. Travel can be exhausting and challenging, but so rewarding, and to be able to do it with someone you trust and know has your back is a gift I don’t take for granted. Some photos below of the quick stay.

Baalbek Roman Ruins

When you ask the only other person on your tour to snap you photo, this is what you get.

The bike of a Swiss fellow who tried to ride his bike into Syria and got turned away at the border. Bold!

Beirut sunset

Smiles and ru