Beirut

May 2002

Second stop on our day trip to Lebanon was Beirut - once known as the Paris of the Middle East.  Well, 17 years of civil war didn't do it much good and the place is full of destroyed buildings, buildings under construction ... and heaps of armed guys with guns guarding the place.

Have to say I was a bit bored in the 4 hours we spent walking around the city.  In the centre, it just looked any other city.  Still, had a nice walk along the esplanade and bought a t-shirt from the Hard Rock Cafe.  Would love to go back some other time and check out the nightlife in Beirut.  Apparently it rocks.  Next time perhaps...

Beirut

Memorial to the futility of war made out of tank guns and artillery pieces.

Partially destroyed building.

Contracts - new gas station with half destroyed building behind it. 

Department store - still with bullet holes in the side.

Next:

Lebanon, 1. Baalbek, 2. Beirut