More guests!

Mairi Yunits and Troy Hernadez have just left Beirut. We had a great time. They both wanted a spring visit, and chose to combine their trips so they could hang out together while Derek and I were at work. The trip was fantastic. When we weren't working, we joined our guests on excursions around Beirut and Lebanon. Troy even rented a car and braved the city traffic. We're posting a selection of photos from the trip, with short descriptions to give you the highlights. Enjoy!

In Southern Lebanon, just a few miles from Israel's border, is the land of Qana, where Jesus performed one of his miracles, turning water into wine. Another Israeli town now claims the same title, but this is believed to be the real deal. It's a magnificent view of the valley.

The Arabic marking indicates the Holy site.

These carvings in the rock which are now a bit hard to make out, represent Jesus and his 12 apostles. This is apparently the proof that Jesus was really here.

It is said that Jesus and his disciples hid in this cave not far from where he performed the miracle.

Another day trip out of the city led us to White Beach near Batroun. It's about 30 minutes north of Beirut. It was a rock beach, as most of the beaches in Lebanon are, with beautiful views of mountains and the sea.

To get home, we had to wait on the side of the highway and hitch a ride. Luckily, a bus came along rather quickly and took us back to Beirut.

A beautiful dinner downtown at the beginning of the trip. The downtown area of Beirut is closed off to traffic. In the evenings and on Sunday afternoons, the area is a playground for kids. The cafes and restaurants are filled with families eating hummos and smoking nargileh.

We hit up Gemezeh one night- the area of town known for its clubs and bars.
We started out for happy hour, and Mairi and Troy stumbled back just a few hours before Derek and I got up for school.

Leaning makes for a great picture.

Troy really enjoyed his new camera. He took pictures of everything, but mostly of himself. This was one of the few exceptions.

Deep in the mountains outside of Beirut, there is a magnificent wonder called Jeitta Grotto. Here you will find deep caves, replete with stalactites and stalagmites that are so cool, they don't allow you to take pictures. Actually, the site is up for a place on the new list of 7 Wonders.

Not so far from Jeitta Grotto is a traditional artisan market in one of the Christian quarters called Zouq Mihael. Because a market in Arabic is souq, this place is called Souq Zouq. We bought a few souvenirs (Troy, buying the traditional beer mug that said "Mexican Beer") we enjoyed Lebanese mezze from a cafe set in a garden which overlooked Juniea, the city just north of Beirut.

Pigeon Rock is another must-see in Beirut. And it happens to be 2 blocks from our house! As you can see, there are 2 large rock formations protruding from the sea. It is quite beautiful.

There are rocks below the road where you can walk and be eye-level with the Pigeon Rocks.

This is the view of Beirut from those rocks.

The last night of Troy's trip, he requested we hit up the Hard Rock Cafe's Monday night special: Beer and Wings, all you can handle. D and I drank too many beers for a Monday night, but we sent Troy off right. Of course his night wasn't over once we got home. Leave it to Troy Hernandez to serenade a 17 year old Syrian girl from across the street with his ukulele. I think it's safe to say that Troy had a good time in Beirut.
Mairi's last night was a bit different. After she made us a delicious lasagna, she entertained us by twirling a large wooden spoon. What a great guest! Thanks Mairi!