Happy New Year!!

Today is the Islamic New Year and is celebrated, very sensibly, by a Bank Holiday in Lebanon. As it was not a Bank Holiday in the UK, the weather was lovely, and the roads in Beirut itself were quiet. I am sure that the roads on the way to the ski resorts were very crowded, but Dom and I decided to take it easy, and explore the area of Bourj Hammoud, the Armenian area of Beirut.

Bourj Hammoud is home to around 200,000 Armenians. They arrived in Beirut in the early 20th century, after they were displaced by the genocide committed against them by the Ottoman Empire. The area is known for having lots of jewellery, clothes and food shops with a stongly Armenian theme, as you would imagine! I can also say that I have had some of the best Baklava ever today - from the Patisserie Sarkis in Bourj Hammoud. It is delicious!!

To close, I have uploaded a picture of the Al Amine Mosque. This is due to open soon, and was built/financed by Rafic Hariri the former Prime Minister assassinated almost a year ago. It is huge!!