Sa'lam aleikum!

It feels like so much has happened since my last blog entry, which is certainly a good problem to have. Some of my most memorable experiences include: hiking to the top of Mount Cassion, attending a traditional Syrian Orthodox Church, meeting with the chairman of the Syrian Environmental Association, being treated to a feast-of-a-breakfast by our Berlitz teachers, learning more Arabic, and of course our trip to Lebanon. This blog will focus on my experience in Lebanon, for the sake of time.

Before leaving Damascus, I was a bit nervous about crossing the border into Lebanon because of all the news we had been hearing about the government collapsing and the Hezbollah uprising. We made it through customs without problems and we were met on the Lebanese side by an extremely friendly and outgoing female tour guide named Clare. The geography of Lebanon is absolutely incredible with stunning mountains and pristine Mediterranean coastlines only several miles apart. Unbelievable.

Here is a journal entry that accurately describes my thoughts about our first day in Beirut:
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At first glance, Beirut seemed like a pile of buildings from above sandwiched between mountains and the Mediterranean. Most of the city is highly Westernized with European/American stores and restaurants. However, these brightly-lit buildings are ironically juxtaposed against bullet-worn buildings and old Roman ruins. It is amazing to think that most of the buildings in the historic area are completely restored since the Muslim-Christian wars. Many of the people look very modern as well--we fit in more here than we do in Damascus.
My favorite part by far is walking alongside the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The blue waters splash up against the rocks, making fountains and hypnotic whirlpools that I could stare at for hours. A group of us found a nice place along the rocks in the evening to laugh, sing and chat while watching the sun sink lower into the sea.
I find it strange that the world hears about so much violence and unrest in Lebanon, and yet here we are in the capital, exploring the city that doesn't show a hint of violence. Most people seem to be going about their regular lives, despite the political turmoil going on.

Much of our time in Lebanon was spent touring historic and pristine sites. We spent time in Byblos, saw the Jeita Grotto (huge caverns which are one of the top finalists for the 7 Natural Wonders of the World), threw snowballs at the top of a snow-capped mountain, touched a several-thousand-year-old cedar tree, admired the view of deep valleys spotted with villages, and visited the temple ruins of Baalbeck. Luckily, I remained healthy through all the travels--some of the group caught a stomach bug which inhibited their activities and appreciation for food.

Our time in Beirut was a great experience, but I think I can speak for the group by saying we were ready to return to Damascus. Entering the Monastery felt like we were returning home, however strange that may sound. I think it's because we have a fairly predictable and enjoyable routine in Damascus that we did not have in Lebanon. This is both good and bad, seeing as the rest of our trip after Damascus will be mostly travel and much less consistent. For now, my hope is that I can enjoy where I am and continue to find new insights every day.

The social and political turmoil in Egypt adds an interesting dynamic to our trip. There is no need to worry about us--we have not personally felt any negative ramifications, as Syria is one of the most stable countries in the region. It is just so different hearing the news about what is happening in Egypt while being so much closer the action than if we were still in America. And imagine--any other year the cross-cultural group would just be leaving Egypt. We are truly in safe hands.

Blessings from Syria!
-James