Beirut - "Paris of the Middle East"

Beirut came into my consciousness only in 1982 – Israel had just started to invade Lebanon and pushed north to the outskirts of Beirut in what was later know as the “1st Lebanon War“.  Before this war a civil war from 1975-1980 had already damaged buildings and infrastructure in Beirut considerably. During most of this war, Beirut was divided between the Muslim west part and the Christian east. The downtown area, previously the home of much of the city's commercial and cultural activity, became a no man's land known as the Green Line.

During the 2006 Lebanon War, bombardments caused damage in many parts of Beirut again. Quite surprising to see Beirut’s reconstruction, especially the Beirut Central District (BCD) or Centre Ville, Beirut's historical and geographical core. This vibrant financial, commercial, and administrative area is truly the hub of Lebanon. It is an area thousands of years old, traditionally a focus of business, finance, culture and leisure. Beirut Souks are the Central District's old medieval market, recently renovated along with the original Hellenistic street grid that characterized the old souks and the area's historical landmarks along long vaulted shopping alleys and arcades.

Heading to the north of Beirut, villages and charming seaside resorts come along. Thousands of years with settlements from Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Crusader, and Ottoman periods have left behind a unique historical heritage.

Rural and cosmopolitan, old fashioned and state-of-the-art ... it's diversity and style that makes Lebanon a place to spend several days.

One thing to remember from Beirut is gorgeous sunsets. Every evening a show of colours, shades, and forms. Hours of timeless happiness ...