More from Beirut

Israeli fighter jets over the marina! That aside everything is great . I walked up the hill past a lot of military checkpoints but they weren't interested though I did have a black car pull up beside me on the way down asking me what I was doing.They were fine and buzzed straight off. The American Embassy at the top was my destination.It's mad. 43 acres of prime hillside with fortress yank being built in white concrete.apparently including a hospital ,school and everything else a bloated american needs to feel like its at home! Have to say very stylish, even the guard towers lean at an angle with bomb proof glass and prismic shaped body. you've got to ask why the effort? I was a bit cautious about taking pics but worth a look. 

The other day I visited a great ruined Phoenician city, Byblos Not great with ruins but these were very picturesque and all sorts of mixed history including the keep having housed a Turkish garrison into the 1800's.My art shot of the Colossus of Byblos came out pretty well I think,

 

Todays activity was the Grotto at Jeita. This despite the pictures on the website including a telecabin ,train ride to the top cave and slightly naff statue was unbelievable.Massive inside ,biggest stalagmite in the world! really considerately displayed and protected( that's the whole area) the most extravagant formations I've ever seen and probably one of Lebanon's biggest tourist sights.Pretty empty ,just a few people then the lower gallery which has the boat ride.Upstairs the end of the walk way was closed off as people suffer from lack of air apparently. The big shame is no photos ,hence no algae from excessive lights and LEDs ,even though I had one phone on me the other had to be locked away,I couldn't bring my self to flout the rules.The pictures I've seen don't nearly do it justice.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/jeita-grotto

looking up the valley ,not the best picture,but  at the bottom loads of water coming out of the hills .As the info says provides drinking water for over 1million people around Beirut.

Also watched a super yacht being relaunched in the marina.Novel because it is supported on metal truss's then the whole platform sinks in to the water and boat floats away.

$4 falafel feast for 1! I had to doggy bag it. That's up to date.Flight booked to Jordan Friday ,taxi arranged for 4 am, first night in Amman and the Jordan roving tourist pass which included visa fee waiver purchased.Unfortunately I notice that I put 23rd as my birthday on the thing hoping that they won't look too close.

BFN.