A Different Kind of Middle East

The next country on my list was a far cry from Iran and Iraq. Lebanon, a tiny country that sits in the middle of many conflicting neighbors, seems to boast an aura of peace and relaxation. After a simple passport check, I was on the way to my hostel in the center of Beirut.

After settling in for a small while, I decided to take a stroll on the main nightlife street known as Armenia Street. It was bustling with people, many of whom were simply enjoying some beer or wine on the sidewalk outside of the many bars and restaurants populating the district. It was a complete turn from my previous experiences in the Middle East where alcohol and general socialization is strictly controlled, or banned. 

These differences were furthered when I went to venture downtown the following morning. Mosques and Christian cathedrals were standing side by side, with worshippers coming and going in peace. Friday night beach parties continuing under the Muslim call to prayer speaks of the immense diversity of this tiny country. 

After a great night at the beach party, it was time to do a little exploring. With a friend from the hostel, I ventured about an hour bus ride north to the ancient city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world. It was packed with tourists and locals enjoying a simple day at the seaside by either taking out a small boat along the coast or relaxing with beer and food at the nearest beach bar. After a few weeks in the hot areas of Iran and Iraq, the sea breeze provided some much-needed relaxation.

Overall, Lebanon provided a different taste to the Middle East that I had not experienced before. Although I only explored a small bit of the country, it provided a welcoming and progressive feel for a solo traveler. The combination of its ancient history and modern lifestyle also produce a proud people hoping to leave their mark on the world. In a way, it felt sort of European. It is, after all, known as the Paris of the Middle East.