A Day Trip to the Oldest City in the World

On Saturday, we hopped into a taxi and went 40 minutes north to Byblos, otherwise know as Jubayl ( جبيل ) in Arabic. While there, we went to a site that has been occupied by Canaanites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Romans, Mamlouks, Ottomans, the Lebanese (of course), and more.  Byblos is also the word that Bible comes from. The Egyptians would bring papyrus here to trade for Lebanese cedar. At the archaeological site we spent much of our time at, scientists have found items from as far back a prehistoric times. As with may popular places to live it seems that the deeper people dig the more they find. There is a Crusader castle here with a traditional Lebanese building from the early 20th century. There are a few temples where different gods and goddesses were prayed to next to Roman columns lying on the ground. There are sarcophagi that were found in deep burial chambers underneath what would have been buildings where average people lived their lives day by day in ancient times.

Along with this awesome site, there is a beautiful shoreline with rocky and sandy beaches, an ancient harbor, wonderful souks (farmer's markets) and kind, friendly people.

Here are some pictures of the day we had!

The old Crusader Castle 

Another view. Notice the sarcophagus in the forefront. The metal fencing is the only barrier to the huge hole where they found it. I'm sure you couldn't get that close to such a deep hole in the States.

Another side of the castle.

Of course, like all ruins here in Lebanon, you always see old Roman columns just sitting around...

Janna inside the old Amphitheater. 

The seats of the Amphitheater with a great view of Byblos in the background.

Sitting in the Amphitheater and waiting for the show to start.

Next to the Amphitheater is the "Necropolis Royale". I loved the wind swept angle this tree had.

On our way out to look at the coastline and see the old traditional Lebanese house.

There were prehistoric ruins between the castle and the house.

The house got bigger and bigger as we got closer!

There were some incredible views of the shoreline from here. I understand why the house was built on a bluff.

I'm thinking we are going to come back in the spring and visit the resort beach below. 

On our way back to the castle we saw this prehistoric well. The picture doesn't do it justice. It's VERY deep.

This is where the Phoenician "Temple of the Obelisks" was moved to. It was built on top of  "The Great Temple" also known as "The L Shaped Temple". It is so old that little is know about that temple.

As we walked up to the Crusader Castle we noticed that just like the castle in Sidon (Saida in Arabic), the Crusaders "recycled" the Roman columns to help support the walls here as well.

Within the castle there were archery slots.

Like father, like daughter.

I am always astounded with the ceilings of these places. 

The view from the castle.

This was within the castle with a few other artifacts. 

A very nice couple that knew VERY little English offered to take our picture. Apparently our camera is challenging to use but still, it's not too bad of a picture. (I wish Janna was in it a little more)

On our way to the harbor we saw this beautiful church. As it always seems here, it was within the same block as a mosque.

The old harbor

Interesting that the "dry dock" is right next to an ancient wall.

This looked like a nice place to eat. We wanted a t-shirt but they didn't have any. It was also VERY expensive. We didn't eat there....

It was difficult to see where the channel was for the boats to come in and out of the harbor.

Very narrow opening to the harbor.

This nice yacht came up and anchored outside of the harbor. The flag was either from Australia or New Zealand. 

We walked out to a point on the Corniche and the view was fantastic.

Here is the traditional Lebanese house we were at earlier.

Overall, it was a wonderful day. We plan on going here again and enjoying the beaches in the future!

Because Delaney Forgot Her Arabic Notebook.....

I know it's been a while but with the semester ending, grades due, the monstrous book order needing to be done and the school rolling out GoogleApps Tim and I became VERY busy. 

Today, Delaney realized she left her Arabic notebook at school. This gave me an excuse to take a leisurely walk along the Corniche with my oldest and enjoy the scenery. This is usually how we walk to work but many times we are very rushed and don't have time to stop and look.  So, off Delaney and I went to enjoy a "cold" winter morning in Beirut (when I say cold I mean 65-70 degrees and slightly overcast!)

AUB Radio Tower

Every day we go past the AUB swimming area. I wouldn't call it a beach. It's very rocky along the shoreline here. Since it's "winter" and AUB has the area closed, many people climb over the fence to fish or swim. There were some older men playing some sort of squash there today as well.

This is where we usually turn to go to school. There's a small marina/harbor here.

Here's the opening of the harbor. I liked the sign.

Some of the boats on the dry dock. 

We went further than we usually do walking all the way up to the lighthouse. It was busy on the Corniche. Many families had come for the day with their fold up chairs and their kid's bikes.

Yes, there are always kitties...EVERYWHERE! Even on the rocky beach.

There's a couple of restaurants on the water under the lighthouse.

This is where Delaney and I decided to turn around. Here are some pictures of where we were.

This area was a little empty at the time.

 

 

 

Across the street. Yes, always a lot of construction going on.

 

We then turned up the road to school. Here are some pictures.

This one of John Lennon I particularly like. The kids did the artwork (maybe last year??) on the construction barriers.

This is the new teacher housing being built next to the school. I still think we will stay in Ein el Mreisseh. It's nice and quiet.

Here is a happy Delaney with her Arabic notebook. Now she can finish her homework!

 Below are some pictures of the courtyard at school. Usually it's crowded with kids talking and playing ping pong. I guess one of our 7th graders is 3rd in the country in ping pong. He travels around the Middle East competing for Lebanon.

Yes another piece of art. This one in the courtyard.

Then we were on our way home. We traveled up the other side of the road not next to the water but next to AUB (American University of Beirut)

One of the kitties that lives in the school. You know this one belongs there because it has a collar.

This is another road that goes down to the Corniche. Janna likes to count the cats. So far her record is 72 from school to home. This is a popular place for the kitties because a woman comes and feeds them every day.

The speed bump must be warm.

This creeping rosemary always smells good and reminds me of my sister. She gave me some a year and a half ago for my birthday. It didn't make it past the winter. This has bloomed so many times since we have been her I've lost count. Love you Libby!

I love this tree. It sits in the middle of the road. There is a bathroom under it but I think I would rather run down the block to the Starbucks instead!

And yes, the Starbucks. Just 2-3 blocks away from school...can't seem to get away from it!

The road past the Starbucks. Our turn is soon.

One of our routes home has us turn up a street where they are building a huge apartment building. Next to it is a place that I have seen improvements on since we have been here. I know people live here but I find it interesting how you can see this huge apartment building next to this.

This is also where a HUGE pomegranate tree is. I'm sorry I didn't get it in the picture. It's dormant anyway.

The building off the the right. They must be getting ready to put a new roof on.

Then we travel up to our neighborhood. When we walk up this road people always are smiling and saying Marhaban (hello in Arabic) to us. We are obviously part of the community. It's nice!

Up the short hill to our street

On the left is our apartment building. 

When we got home our Kousa was being cute sitting with Janna's stuffed animals. All in all it was about a 2 hour walk. Nice to spend time with my oldest!