What Better Way to Celebrate a Birthday?

We had a long weekend from March 1-3, right before my 26th birthday. Our Superintendant is from Leabanon and is getting married this Summer. Seeing as many of us teachers will not be able to attend, he decided to invite us to Lebanon for the long weekend. He planned on showing us around his hometown and introducing us to his family.

I probably wouldn't have gone to the wedding even if I could have, because I don't know him very well, but it was a good excuse to get in some more travelling and to see a country from the view of a local.

I boarded a plane with Krista and Leanne on Thursday night after school and we were off to Lebanon for the long weekend (no big deal, right?).

We got there and they were having a crazy fluke snow storm. It was quite fantastic to experience weather again, but it did throw a wrench into our plans. We intended on taking a bus out to Rabih's home town where he would show us around and his Mom would cook us a great dinner. UNfortunately, he was from a town up in the mountains and vehicles were not travelling in and out much because of the snow.

We were staying in a little hotel in Beirut, with the shadiest view you ever did see. INstead of going on an adventure to see Rabih's town, we spent the first day attempting to do some sight-seeing, and then hiding from the rain in an Irish Pub (not exactly a Lebanese cultural experience). Some of the day's highlights included cramming 7 of us into a "cab", enjoying the smell of the rain, checking out the many buildings riddled with bullet-holes, relaxing with friends, and getting a small taste of Lebanon.

Us crammed into the taxi


Yay for rain!

Bullet Holes...



We did end the first day at a Lebanese place on the street where some enjoyed some Shisha that was in an actual fruit.


On Day 2 we decided to chance it and try to make it out to the village. The private bus was coming to pick us up and we were on our way. As we were leaving Beirut, it became apparent that we were in one of the only vehicles that was brave enough to drive out to the mountains and so we ended up picking up a "few friends" on the way. It turns out that the Lebanese version of a few friends is much different than our own. The bus was packed full with Lebanese soldiers and we were on our way.


We made it out to a town (not quite all the way to where Rabih lives, but close) and we waited in the snow until he came to take us somewhere fun. The highlight of the trip came when Rabih arrived (his windhield covered in snow) and smashed right into a scooter that was in the parking area. Obviously the Lebanese aren't too concerned with being able to see out of their windshield. Rabih then gave the dude $9 and said that it was "no problem". haha


We went to a cool little museum in an old castle-like building where we saw many artifacts (weapons). We then enjoyed the snow a litle bit before heading for some lunch together.


We headed back to Beirut to warm up in our hotels before heading for a Lebanese supper at Applebees.  It was a bit disappointing that we didn't experience more Lebanese culture on our trip, but at this point in the year I was looking for a relaxing go-with-the-flow weekend and this is exactly what I got. After supper we headed out to a few local pubs near our hotel. I didn't stay long, but the others had a good time. We hit the hay earlyish so that we could get up and do a bit of sight-seeing before leaving the next morning.

We had a few hours on our last morning and we went for a walk by the water. It was a beautiful coastline. We each had our pics taken with the famous Pigeon Rocks before heading downtown (which is still being rebuilt).


We visited a very old church that had been rebuilt 7 times over the many years of war that have haunted the beautiful city of Beirut. The church had a museum underneath it and it was a bit emotional to see the times it had been rebuilt, and to think about the people who sought refuge inside it's walls only to be attacked.


Beirut was a beautiful place to visit, full of history and culture. The people were very friendly and helpful and I would definately consider making a return trip to Lebanon sometime.

We travelled home that afternoon and I had the pleasure of sitting beside a very small (and I am assuming poor) Indian lady who asked me for my leftover food and airplane dishes, which she then stuffed into her bag.

The whole weekend reminded me of just how blessed I am to have been born in a country where I am safe and can live a healthy life with opportunities to travel the world. Thank you God!