Dahieh and Beqaa Valley

Dahieh and Beqaa Valley

September 18, 2021 | Travel

In winter 2008, I attended friends’ wedding in Beirut, my first visit to Lebanon. I took the opportunity to explore some of the less travelled areas, thanks to a driver that I befriended. He guided me through Dahieh’s mournful streets during Ashura; to South Lebanon; and to the splendid Baqaa Valley with its Roman ruins.
Lagos

Lagos

August 23, 2021 | Travel

I did. brief visit to Lagos, Nigeria in 2008, staying on Victoria Island. I was overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of this incredibly vibrant, pulsating city. My first meal was a serving of pepper soup, brought to me by playful hotel staff who wanted to test my mettle. I understand that Lagos has changed a lot since then with less traffic and more a organised market instead of the sprawling web of stalls I saw. Amazing memories.

Jordan

Jordan

August 22, 2021 | Travel

My first visit to Jordan was in 2008, I did a road trip criss-crossing the country. I soaking in the magnificent sights at Petra. I ventured north of Amman to see the ruins of Jerash. And along the way I took some snaps of camels, wadis, refugee camps and religious tourists.

Georgia

Georgia

August 15, 2021 | Travel

I was lucky to visit friends in Georgia in late 2007 and early 2008. I could explore Tbilisi’s ‘medieval’ feel. I took a countryside road trip to climb up to secluded monasteries. I visited Gori, the town where Stalin grew up. I also did a ski trip in Gudauri and ventured towards the border with Russia. I wouldn’t have imagined that a few months later the area would see war.