The Asia part of our voyage is now over. We have arrived in Beirut for the final leg of the journey and to relax before heading home. We are staying with my parents in their beautiful home above a valley and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The house is surrounded by a beautiful garden with flowers, fruits and vegetables. It is a very welcome change from many of the hotels we stayed in – we have an entire floor to ourselves and everything is clean!
We were planning to spend our entire time here just lazing around at the beach and taking it easy but we’ve actually been quite active. We’ve been hiking in the nearby mountains and today we went hiking in an area called the Qanoubine Valley which is remarkable. It is an area that was originally used by Christian monks to hide during the crusades and you can still see the many caves that they dug out of the side of the cliffs. Yesterday we biked from Batroun (the town close to my parents’ house) down the coast to a sea-side city called Byblos and the day before that we spent wandering the streets of Tripoli which is in the northern part of Lebanon. When we aren’t biking or hiking, we’re usually swimming in the gorgeous turquoise sea.
July 31st was our first wedding anniversary and what did Jacob do to surprise me…nothing! But we did spend the day on a boat belonging to my parents’ friend followed by a very romantic sushi dinner in Byblos.It’s certainly nice to be able to stay in one place, with home cooked meals but we feel a little strange knowing that in less than a week, we will be home.
Every minute of your visit (almost) has been great. It has been so so nice...we've had a fantastic holiday...hiking, swimming, biking...all from our house! I'm already planning the itinerary for your next visit!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! I LOVE these pictures! Catherine and Elie - your home is so beautiful! I particularly envy your garden! I remember seeing it in construction, with only the floors poured. I hope to get a chance to visit next year, since our Lebanon project is back ON again (will send details later). J & L - you are looking very svelte and happy! I do agree, it is a bit strange to think that you will be back home, in my home, in lest than a week. But a GOOD strange!!! Much love to everyone! V.
ReplyDeleteWow this is awesome :)
ReplyDeleteHappy 1st anniversary. We are looking forward to celebrating with you in Montreal. Please give our love to Catherine and Elie. Hugs S&J
ReplyDelete