Lebanon Day 2
First Full Day
First real sleep of the trip so far. Quick breakfast and then David made the trek back to get Laurie and David’s luggage. We have learned that telling the Lebanese soldiers that you have American tourist in the car is the key to getting better parking than a a handicapped license plate in the US. Ismat, David’s friend, unofficial Mayor of Beirut, convertible Fiat 500 driver, and the best fixer you’ll ever find is our tour guide today. After leaning that the American tourist trick worked the first time, she wields this weapon often.
Falefel
First stop of the day, the best falafel place you will ever find. Open since 1933.
Museums
Now on to the culture. Ismat took us to:
- National Library
- National Museum
- Mineral Museum
- Restaurant that had a contentious Backgammon tournament going.
- A bombed out building that had been left as a reminder to what happens in war. It was closed and usually only opens for special exhibitions. Ismat played the American tourist card and got us in, though the local security guard was a little hesitant.
Jezzine
The day ended with a trip to the mountains to enjoy dinner at a mountaintop restaurant with David’s college friends.
