The Middle East has interested me for some time. Unfortunately, travel to some countries in the region would be… unwise…

I’ve worked with a few Lebanese-Australians in various jobs and each of them, after hearing my stories of travel in Southeast Asia, said that Lebanon would be my cup of tea.

And so I went.

Because of its location between Europe and the Arabian peninsula, Lebanon is a country with an ancient and turbulent history. It shows a very strong influence from both cultures. I don’t think there are too many cities besides Beirut where you could be enjoying a beer at a rooftop bar while the mosque down the street broadcasts the call to evening prayer.

The people are amazingly friendly and accommodating, exhibiting that famous Mediterranean hospitality.

Lebanon is a country which was until recently at war, and the presence of military patrols and checkpoints as well as bullet-scarred buildings were reminders of the country’s strife in the not-too-distant past. Even now there are tensions at the southern border with Israel, and the presence of Daesh (ISIS) in neighbouring Syria is a constant worry.

I stayed mainly in Beirut but had a couple of days in Baalbek in the east of Lebanon where there are some of the best preserved ancient Roman ruins in the world. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see much else of this beautiful country due to becoming ill for about a week. I’m determined to make it back sometime soon to explore more.

Beirut building damaged by gunfire.

Beirut building damaged by gunfire.

French colonial building in Beirut

French colonial building in Beirut

French colonial building in Beirut

Pigeon Rocks, Beirut

The Mediterranean coast

Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, Beirut

Interior of Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque

New residential towers in downtown Beirut

Roman ruins, Baalbek

The temple of Bacchus in Baalbek

Beqaa Valley view from the Roman ruins in Baalbek

The temple of Bacchus in Baalbek

Mosque in Baalbek

What’s left of the Holiday Inn in downtown Beirut. Used as a sniper position during the Lebanese Civil War. The building has been condemned and has been empty for decades.

French colonial building in Beirut

Beirut pizza shop in a building damaged by the war.

A street in Hazmiyeh, a neighbourhood in southern Beirut

A street in Hazmiyeh, a neighbourhood in southern Beirut

A street in Hazmiyeh, a neighbourhood in southern Beirut

A street in Hazmiyeh, a neighbourhood in southern Beirut

New residential tower in downtown Beirut