Yeahhhhh, so I'm going to Beirut

[Jay Auskin]

When you posted this I thought...huh???...then I did a little of the Googlez, and Beirut actually looks like a very interesting place to visit. Please do update this thread. I'm jealous! Then again, I live 2 blocks from Detroit city limits, and everyone thinks that's a horrible place.

[pcardude]

Yeah motion so when are we going ?

[onewhippedpuppy]

I have a good friend from Lebanon, he left at about 20 when Christians were serious targets for Muslim extremists. He often talks about how amazing the country was before the violence started, and how gorgeous many parts of it still are. He still takes his family back yearly to visit family, he is careful and knows the areas to avoid. Were I visiting I wouldn't do so without some trusted local contacts that could help me steer clear of potential trouble, because it definitely still exists there.

[motion]

Thanks, everyone for the feedback, both constructive and hysterical. Cashflyer, thanks for those photos. When I was in Israel, I drove to the Lebanese border, so I was close last year. It looks nice. I was a bit hesitant at first... sometimes I book trips in my zest to add another country to my list, but the more I dug into the place, the more it seemed both interesting and fairly safe. I came across this piece by Tony Bourdain:

Anthony Bourdain, BACK TO BEIRUT

I really dig a place that confounds common sense. I think Beirut will be one of those places. Its interesting to read the comments in this thread. People have preconceived notions, which are often proven 100% wrong with a little bit of digging and outside perspective. I love that about the world.

I'll be arriving March 13th. Can't wait!

[pcardude]

Originally Posted by motion

Thanks, everyone for the feedback, both constructive and hysterical. Cashflyer, thanks for those photos. When I was in Israel, I drove to the Lebanese border, so I was close last year. It looks nice. I was a bit hesitant at first... sometimes I book trips in my zest to add another country to my list, but the more I dug into the place, the more it seemed both interesting and fairly safe. I came across this piece by Tony Bourdain:

Anthony Bourdain, BACK TO BEIRUT

I really dig a place that confounds common sense. I think Beirut will be one of those places. Its interesting to read the comments in this thread. People have preconceived notions, which are often proven 100% wrong with a little bit of digging and outside perspective. I love that about the world.

I'll be arriving March 13th. Can't wait!

Bourdain and his crew were also rescued by US Marines there. I still want to go with you please.

[recycled sixtie]

Don't go Motion. If you get held for ransom I will start up a rescue fund with member contributions. Check your life insurance too. May not be valid for risky travel....
I understand why your GF is upset.

[recycled sixtie]

Originally Posted by pcardude

Bourdain and his crew were also rescued by US Marines there. I still want to go with you please.

Scary. I see your posts number 911....

[pcardude]

Originally Posted by recycled sixtie

Scary. I see your posts number 911....

Dang it I missed it

[wayner]

If something happens to you can I have your TA-125??

[tabs]

Originally Posted by Jay Auskin

When you posted this I thought...huh???...then I did a little of the Googlez, and Beirut actually looks like a very interesting place to visit. Please do update this thread. I'm jealous! Then again, I live 2 blocks from Detroit city limits, and everyone thinks that's a horrible place.

8 Mile Rd and in Warren?

[tabs]

Originally Posted by recycled sixtie

Don't go Motion. If you get held for ransom I will start up a rescue fund with member contributions. Check your life insurance too. May not be valid for risky travel....
I understand why your GF is upset.

You mean a kidnapped fund....I won't donate a dime, I don't support being stupid.

[Otter74]

I'd love to go to Beirut and Lebanon. Let us know about the trip after you get back.

[wayner]

One thing for sure is that it is a very different place than in the 80s when you were likely to be hit by mortar fire.

Things have gotten better, but in all seriousness, many countries situations can change quickly.

The best advice is to tune into government web sites and travel advisories, then do whatever additional due diligence is wise.

Here is your US site
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

The latest state department warning was updated in December.
Sometimes the updates are for the better and sometimes for the worse

When they contain generalities, it means act wisely.
When they are specific, there is something more likely to occur.
Dec 2015
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/lebanon-travel-warning.html

You can also gain perspective by checking other countries advisories (Britain or Canada for example)


Now, having said all of that, just like a Canadian travelling to the US, there are parts of a city or country to be aware of and avoid.

I use the Canadian US example, because we aren't used to worrying about wondering off the beaten path into trouble areas, and it is something I've had to learn about US cities. For you travelling to foreign cities it is similar though the risks are different, some areas are ok and some are to be avoided. Our Canadian advisory breaks it down by areas to be particularly avoided versus taking arise but being vigilant.

Here is Canada's most recent
Click on the security tab for more specific advice
Travel advice and advisories for Lebanon

[Bill Douglas]

I'm sure it's safe enough and you will be fine.

But can I put my name down for the Yamaha race bike

[group911@aol.co]

Originally Posted by tabs

You mean a kidnapped fund....I won't donate a dime, I don't support being stupid.

Um, you might consider moving there. Seems it may be somewhat safer than here.All countries compared for Crime > Violent crime > Murder rate per million people

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Originally Posted by Otter74

I'd love to go to Beirut and Lebanon. Let us know about the trip after you get back.

Me too, I'd take my family there, plenty of cities in western countries far more dangerous than Beirut

When I've told friends before doing family trips to places like Bosnia, Serbia, Jordan, Romania etc it surprising the comments people make about places they nothing about

Iran is well up there on my must see country to visit

[cashflyer]

Cashflyer, thanks for those photos.

I hope when you return, that you post up some better photos than I have.


View from the balcony



Another shot of snow on the mountains


A tank


Traffic enforcement


Views from the car




View from an office building

[cashflyer]

KFC & BK



There is a walkway that will get you down almost to the water, where you can take a photo like this of the Bay Rocks.


It's safe... trust me.

[speeder]

Let's hear it.

I had a long talk with a Lebonese woman last night at a wedding reception, she grew up in L.A. but goes back every summer. She completely dismissed concerns about safety, (basically rolled her eyes), but said that the big issue right now is the garbage strike. It must be awful(?)

Need a dispatch, buddy.

[motion]

I knew it would be interesting when a brawl broke out in row 14 right after I landed in Beirut Pretty strange to see 65 year old guys going at each other. Someone wouldn't let a lady out of the center seat, then all hell broke out. Typical ME behavior.

OK, so it turns out Beirut is fairly innocuous. I trudged around for 10 hours today and it appears that I am the only Westerner with a camera in the entire city. I suppose most of the tourists are from other ME countries. A LOT of money here... I think the Gulf States are bankrolling the redevelopment. Pretty much every building over 20-30 years old is filled with bullet holes. I guess the bombed buildings have all been torn down.

People stare at me everywhere I go, but leave me alone, which is great. They are not a gregarious people at all. I'd say if you have it on your list, then definitely go. Tony Bourdain really sung the praises of Beirut, but I'm not feeling it. It has 0.01% of the personality of Bangkok or Saigon. A couple days here is fine, unless you feel the need to go into the countryside.

BTW, I saw garbage trucks out and about and just a few piles of trash here and there, so I guess the strike is over.