Going to the South - Beaufort Castle

Last weekend we went to the southern area of Lebanon.  At the start we went to Beaufort Castle (Qala'at al-Shazif in Arabic) which originally was a crusader castle.  When you get there you realize why this fortress was built.  It has a commanding view of pretty much all of southern Lebanon into Syria and south into Israel (Occupied Palestine) and the Golan Heights.  The country of Kuwait has funded repairs to the fortress and therefore it is a lovely place to see.

Since the Crusades ,this location has been used by many to protect, defend and occupy the area. While there, it is so fascinating to see this beautiful place but it is also very thought provoking. In the recent past this area was occupied by Israeli troops. Right next to the castle is an Israeli bunker that is now being made into a museum. As always, places like this make me want to be more hopeful that there can be peace and acceptance in the world. Here are some pictures of the first day we spent in the  Southern area of Lebanon.

Within the Castle

You can see a long way south and east from here.  Lebanon, Syria, and Israel are captured in this picture. A view like this reminds me of how close everything is here compared to in the States.

Used ordinance left in the castle.

If you look carefully you can see the Mediterranean in the distance. This is the view to the west.

Across from the Castle is where the Israeli bunker was.

Israeli "Pill Box"

This is what the entrance of the bunker looks like today. Soon it will be the entrance to a museum.

The view of the fortress from the road below.

 Such a beautiful area of the world. Rolling farmlands, lovely small towns and as always that wonderful Lebanese hospitality!