Beautiful Lebanon

A visit I will never forget!

By Ann Marie LouiePublished 5 years ago • 4 min read

Perhaps one would think I am out of my mind for wanting to visit this country.

Oh yes, that’s right, many did! An influx of “What for and why did you choose there?”

Well, because I am an adventure seeker; however, not to the extreme for testing a place for its safety or to see how close I could get to a place called Syria.

Well, actually, both are correct.

I am explorer. I have been taught by my immigrant Parents and Grandparents that “If there is a will, then there is a way.” I have been traveling to many tourist destinations for a long time now and it was time to expand my horizons. Even the US Immigration upon my return to USA asked me why I choose Beirut, Lebanon. I was extremely excited planning the trip, but upon arrival with my 16-year-old daughter, I was a little apprehensive. It was a new country, the Middle East, and it definitely wasn’t Dubai where I have visited many times.

This place was of old and new, a tropical atmosphere due to its location but rich in history going back many years. It seems to have the feeling of recovery when looking at the city. Initially coming from the airport into downtown Beirut towards the Hamra area, it’s a beauty! In the mix, you will also see the old buildings that are all outdated and in turmoil.

Don’t let that fool you though because not far is the shopping district, where you will find amazing shopping as if you were in Beverly Hills, CA. High-end shopping is easily available. A multitude of yummy restaurants are ready to serve you. I was intimidated at first because there seems to be a higher ratio of men versus women, and everywhere we walked there always seemed to be two men on every other corner. According to the locals, it’s a cultural thing and maybe we Americans like to say, “Just shooting the breeze.” Come to find out that most locals (especially men) are curious about tourists and are willing to help if you have any questions about their beautiful country or directions even. Don’t be intimidated when you see men smoking on a corner in groups of 2+! Normally, you are greeted with a nice smile and hello. I found that everyone was willing to give you their number if you needed help while visiting. Perhaps everyone has side jobs as tour guides? Unsure, but I took it as a positive. At any rate, the intention seemed helpful.

It’s a bit scary crossing the streets as there are hardly any gaps to cross, so I suggest using the crosswalk! Not to fear, pedestrians have the right of way, so if it may seem like the cars are going to hit you, they won’t, as they will be given a hefty fine. Phew! Always be cautious no matter. Find the best safe ways to cross. Traffic doesn’t die down.

In Beirut, I would suggest to stay in Hamra & visit Corniche, waterfront, Harissa Park to see “Our lady of Lebanon,” National Museum (a must), Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, Al-Omari Mosque, Martyrs Square, Raouche Rocks, Zaitunay Bay (food), and for shopping the Beirut Souks with all high-end and bargain shopping.

Outside of Beirut, there was so much to see. The history is engaging and an eye opener. I learned so much more than you can learn reading articles online or just hearing what’s on the news. By hearing the struggles of the Lebanese people, it will make you feel like wanting to know more about their history.

Places to visit that are a MUST SEE are: Jeitta Grotto, Byblos, Ksara, Baalbek ruin, Tripoli, Beit-ed-dine Palace, Cedars, Anjar, & Beqaa. So many places to discover, all with rich history.

You can visit Baalbek at the border of Syria. This will seem a bit scary, but you are in safe hands with the Lebanon police and military. You may have many checkpoints, but they are there for safety. Not at all did I feel unsafe. Open your eyes and appreciate the surroundings. Here it’s not as pretty heading South, but survival is the word as you see many Syrian camps. I am not talking transient homeless camps you see on the West Coast (namely Seattle/Free-attle), but real camps with refugees needing help due to war-stricken times. Lebanon has opened their arms in helping the Syrians. It’s not clean or a vacation getaway, as you will find areas that seem like a junkyard. Once you pass this, you get to the ruins and start to take in the history. I even met a tour guide that used to work with the late and famous Anthony Bourdain.

In conclusion, I know that many feel apprehensive about traveling to the Middle East, especially Beirut with the history we know of, but hands down a beautiful experience. I am extremely happy have been welcomed with lovely people and a good history lesson. They can work on their health regarding avoiding smoking, as it is very prevalent all around you, but they are trying as a population to encourage good health. Westerners from America may be a bit irritated with the smoke, but don’t let that stop you from experiencing a once in a lifetime chance to see this country.

The Lebanese people are all so very mixed in population and open minded, with much to share with you. They have beautiful hearts ready for you to visit.

Feel free to see many more of my adventure in Beirut or other countries via my Instagram pages: @annmariesadventures @Ig_traveltoday

A Day in Lebanon