These two above are from Gemmazey. It's one of the few sections of Beirut that still holds some of the original style and architecture from before the Civil War. It's also the place to go if you like loud clubs and dancing until 5am.
This was graffiti on one of the buildings. I'm not sure if it's a symbol of a certain group or what, but it certainly spoke to me, as if to say, what good can come from war?
This is the famous Holiday Inn that was bombed and destroyed during the Civil War. They have chose to leave it standing as a reminder for what the country went through. I tried to take a better picture but was told no. One of the sad things about Beirut is the security. Hardly a block goes by without a guard or two on the corner, usually armed with a very large weapon. Derek says it makes him feel safe to know that he is being protected. I don't think guns will ever make me feel safe. In any case, these men are not just standing at random corners. They are guarding someone or something, and part of their job is to tell curious visitors like me that photos are not allowed.
The statue above is across the street from this Mosque. If you look closely at the statue you will notice that it has been ripped to shreds by bullets. I believe it is the Statue of Martyrs. In front of this mosque there is a counter with red numbers. There are a few of these around the city, counting the days since Hariri was assassinated. Apparently the plan is to keep counting until the people who committed the crime are found and (probably) punished.
There is a small street in between Hamra and downtown that has preserved some of the older buildings and it's beautiful. The picture above is of one such building that has not been very well preserved, but with the skeleton of the house still in tact and the overflowing blossoms- the sight just took my breath away. Derek is waiting while I take this picture of the old house. The box behind him is also a familiar sight. These are the guard stations, only there was no guard here today.
