Living in Dubai - A Full Circle

Life really does come full circle.

6 years ago I remember the process it was to get my 1st "real" apartment. What had happened as me commenting on this "nice building" when I was 'subletting' an apartment downtown, to me inquiring about it and being told it was a 'no go', to me just randomly having a patient that just happened to live there and who gave me a realtor contact that was apparently the only way 'in,' to me moving in. Literally with a few suitcases and bags. I remember clearly buying fridge and bed first, and then little by little adding... and adding... and adding. A BIG thanks went to my Dubai "mom," Kay for taking me to garage sales and buying things, Dubizzle (similar to Craigslist in the States, buying 2nd hand stuffs), to randomly getting things for free from people selling, moving, downsizing, etc etc. It took probably a full year before had all the right things to live and then another year + to get it decorated a bit. And as these things always go, next thing you know I have a 'full' apartment with somehow sets of 8-10 of dishware, a dozen or so towels, and... how did this happen? hahhaa

Well, thank GAWD that I was smart (for once!) and got everything 2nd hand so had NO attachment whatsoever to get rid of it. Then also THANK GAWD a few times a year went to garage sales to get rid of stuffs, AND being that I knew my apartment lease would end end of Feb, literally 6+ months ago started slowly yet surely getting rid of things. Wow, although am fully aware I can be a bit nazi with planning, although try not too, am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo glad I planned ahead for this because it was quite stressful these last few weeks.

But, da da dum, here it is!!!!!

(will post pics soon! esp before and after)

I think part of my demise at the marathon was this stress, the moving bit, but also where I would end up and as knew and others told me, everything will work out. After tough negotiations, found a airbnb type place through a friend, basically renting a room and bathroom from a couple that has a 2-bedroom... although more than I wanted to spend, the location is FAB and close to all my activities and most especially work! Also, was a blessing, a true blessing, that these other friends of mine just happen to go skiing and offered for me to stay at their gorgeous villa for the same week when I was transiting from my old place to my new place. So the triangle of bringing things back and forth between all of them was... quite busy and stressful. But again, blessing #3 - just happen to have a runner friend that lives literally the building next to my 'new' place that is EK crew, along with her sisters, and long story short, they are super kindly letting me park there during these next 3 months which is HUGE HUGE HUGE relief as that was another major stress.

So, as they say, everything will work out and what's meant to be is meant to be.

I also was stubborn as usual and did ALL of this by myself, and although got haphazard offers for help, it was actually easier on my own anyway.

Besides full-on work, this triangle of accommodations, also had full-on training going on and all these early wake-ups, and.... phew!!!!! Somehow made it and now that am finally 'settled' in my new place, thank gawd, now it 'hopefully' will be smooth sailing till the end!!!

Redemption

I have to say, the last 2 weeks slowly yet surely have recovered from "Marathon Disaster." Probably physically first and then mentally. Was super nice to all that checked in on me and made sure I was okay, my super run buddy Ram 'made me' get a Heart Rate monitor, which is a good investment anyway, and again, thanks to all that showed their love and support. I do admit went into a wee bit of a self pity party, not so much dwelling on what happened, as just think it was a recipe for disaster, but more so comfort eating. Soo... was NOT shy of comfort food and drink, even did a 'ladies night' out (gasp!) and skipped the next mornings run because.... just didn't feel like it (gasp #2!):

                                         

Me with Irish ladies Ruth, Helen, Caroline and Niamh!

But slowly and surely revamped myself for the RAK 1/2 marathon - a staple of Dubai. This is my 4th (5th?) year doing it. Have had some down RAK's. but it is a fun run, SUPER SUPER well organized and really, EVERYONE does it. EVERYONE from my group, and also always good to catch up with fellow friends and runners from outside. Initially had NO mojo for it, but as the week went on, started to feel more into it. Race strategy was to NOT gun it and go out like a maniac, but take it steady and just FINISH it without any disasters, was thinking would aim for between 1:45 (best case scenario) and under 1:50... which is my usual 1/2 marathon time.

It was already off to a good start with carpool with these lovely people, Ram, Janine, and Christine.... laughs from the over hour car drive to Ras Al Khaimah!

                                   

Sooo... THIS time around, again, because sooooooooooooooooooooo many people I know do it, almost right of the bat got in a little group with Irish John (that's what we call him), Lovely Louise, and Jordan (S. African). Jordan also had a disastrous Dubai mara (although he finished), he was in our initial posse when we started and he too said we took it out waaaaaaaaaay too fast, so we were both making a point to take it out a wee slower  (although both feeling we could 'up' it).

Awesomely enough, we all ran together up until I think even around 15-16km before Jordan took off, then a km or so later, John did, and then Louise fell back. Was a super distraction and we had fun! When we WERE all together, which was majority of the run, we were a super super team as we were chatting most of the way, being VERY relaxed, waving and shouting at the other runners who were already looping back... really have to say I ENJOYED it! The weather was foggy and cool, wasn't overheating, DIDN'T feel like was going out to fast or too hard, we REALLY kept it steady. I was soo thankful they were there because they pushed me along a little but and I also pushed them. With a few km to go and me just on my own, it was actually nice as I KNEW "I got this." Felt enough steam to pick up the speed a bit and finished strong!!!! Yayyyyy!!!! Gosh, SUCH a relief to have a GOOD GOOD run! Negative split it, really felt steady and strong the whole time, and although DEFINITELY could feel the couple of kg of weight I have added compared to last year (booooo!), finished at .....

1:46:39!!!! 

And look at the steady splits!!!!!

 

Although NOT a best time or anything, the 'glory' of it after 2 weeks ago made it sooo soo special! Even better that legs felt good as I ended up needing it as Ram forgot where we parked, Pruthu was of no help to find it nor was I, and that was a comedy show as we literally walked an additional few km trying to find it again, ha haha.

Ah ha, a friend's pic!! Louise and I! I guess was in my 'game face' mode and she... apparently not! lol 

This one above my FAVE! Right at the finish! Good posture and looking strong, if I have to say so myself (because I felt good and strong! Mentally and physically!) 

And... the gigantic heavy finishers medal, one to add to the books!

After the run with Riyadh, Pruthu, me and Jolly - all had good runs!

Again, was sooo nice to see soo many friendly people on the course, waving and cheering, and also the camaraderie by all. Many of our runners that weren't even running the race came out to help out, and Margaret, my angel from the Dubai mara that "saved me" was there volunteering as well and she purposefully came to check in on me, as well as a few others, that I was okay, and is just too too sweet! 

Although wanted the same after Dubai marathon, am soooooooooooooooo happy to be leaving a BIG Dubai run with such fond memories. Especially that ran with Lovely Louise for such a long way, but oddly, we can't seem to find pictures of her in the group or her and I together! boooooooo! 

After the looong drive home, didn't even have a chance to nap (even though got up at 3:30am for the drive) as am in major pow wow mode to clean out my apartment, felt hardly made any progress although I swear was 'busy' doing things!!! 

THEN, a TOTAL change of clothes and scenery, went with my good friend and running buddy Laura H to Dubai Opera to see my new fave pianist, Ludovico Einaudi - his arctic performance is.... too good for words:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DLnhdnSUVs

The performance was brilliant. Was just so nice after all these stressful weeks to sit back and relax and listen to such awesome piano and music. His fellow musicians were phenomenal and although some bits were a bit 'angry,' meaning quite intense, I sooo soooo enjoyed it! And also nice to get out of running kit for once, ha haha. 

Soo..... there it is. Am back in action! I think needed this time 'off' to mentally and physically reset as now officially starts Comrades training, longer and longer runs and a big o life commitment. So now feel recharged and .... back in good spirits!!! 

Untamed Beast - Dubai Marathon

It was bound to happen. Have a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong history of athletics and sports and have been relatively successful. Some good runs, some okay runs, but have to say, haven't had a disastrous run.... until the 26th of Jan, what was to be my grand finale Dubai marathon.

Oddly, I was REALLY low key about the marathon. Hardly talked about it, wasn't that excited about it, yet still did all the training I needed to do and felt... ready! Everyone always asks what I was expecting, and I felt fairly confident in/around 3:45ish. I know my body and as am 2kg heavier than my glory days when I did 3:40, it is definitely not there and weight makes a bit difference. But overall, didn't have the same excitement as previously.

Well, a first time for everything, got a DNF ("Did Not Finish" for non-runner friends). YES, a DNF!!!!

To backtrack a little, have been under a bit of stress lately with doing the steps of leaving my apartment, but more so, finding a transition apartment from when my lease ends to when I leave Dubai. Now all settled! Maybe it's because I've had NO stress these past.... years (lol), somehow it was really getting to me and felt oddly higher HR and BP, really tried to meditate and do deep breathing, but overall, wasn't myself. So that's my prelude to what's to come....

Sooo... all the prep and everything was the same same for this marathon. Had my gluten free pasta with just nutritional yeast, some pepper, and sweet potatoes...

                                              

Even a selfie beforehand!

                                           

Nic, my good S. African friend, and I had this "around 3:45 (but hopefully less) plan, and just at the start we ran into Quentin, Stuart, and Jordan - all South Africans and great runners. Well, we had a great start, a nice banter and on cruise control. After 10km or so, Jordan kind of backed off, then it was me and Nic, Quentin, and Stuart.... a fab team and I was a little beside myself was running with these great athletes (but maybe was too much for me???)... but here are some of our glam shots:

After about 20km or so, Stuart and Quentin pulled ahead.... then after another 5-6km, Nic pulled ahead, bye Nic! It's been fun! .... lol

                               

                                

 I was going along and keeping fairly steady, BUT have to say felt my heart palpitate a few times, but again, tried to control it with breathing. After Nic pulled ahead, physically I felt totally fine, legs totally fine, but... something just off physiologically. Felt like was trying to exert energy, but nothing was happening and the km couldn't have come any slower. Was doing all my positive mantra's, buuuut just felt like couldn't push anymore. Then I did what I've never done during a marathon, I walked a bit. I did a walk/jog for a bit, from .... maybe 30km'ish?? Then was just feeling more and more lightheaded, more and more out of it, and more and more dizzy. Then came the lone 'not so fresh'  pics....

Okay, I guess the pics don't look THAT horrid and bad, but my head was down, which I don't like to run like that, slouched posture and.... according to some, was hardly lifting up my feet and one commented that my lips looked bright red as if I had lipstick, BUT it was just because my face was so pale and ashen. 

Well, I know wasn't too far from finish, but not close enough to say was "almost there," but I think it was around the 37km mark when I was just weaving in/out of the street and.... gosh, I don't even know what happened, really felt like I passed out but didn't - completely blanked out and miraculously, our former club chairwoman, everyone's "mom" (one of those wonderful people) was just there and grabbed me. I was heavy breathing and completely out of it. Cold, but sweaty. She called over an ambulance, which, did NOT look like this....

                                                     

And typical Dubai, they didn't seem to know anything, yet took my blood sugar and BP (which she told them too) and although practically was going to collapse right then and there, they were like "stats are fine, she can go" Whhhhhaaat? I literally felt faint, dizzy, nauseous, and .... just awful! So poor Margaret had her bike and she is holding me and her bike, calls our other club member Neil (via phone) that I need help and we slooowly walk to a bench, where again, I couldn't even describe what I was feeling and was talking and walking like a drunk person. Was pale and ashen and our other friend Jill came along and she looked at me and was like "whooooaaaaaa, this isnt' you." It was soooooooooo soooooooooooo weird! I just remember feeling sooo thirsty but no one having water and just parched and nauseous and .... off. Moving my hands and fingers seemed like a lot of work, couldn't buckle the seatbelt when we got in the car, like my brain and body was disconnected. So then we sit in the car and of course everything starts cramping, my legs, my abs, my calves., my feet, BUT it wasn't nearly as bad as Comrades, sooo... was able to get through it. Also, amusingly to Neil, was trying to sound normal and converse, but was making NO sense whatsoever.

Later, both Neil and Jill said that I didn't look like my normal strong self when they saw me on the course (which was a horrible loop course), that my posture was off and even from the outside looked not right. It was hot and a bit humid, but it is every year! I'm sure this all was a combination of things, my recent stress, the heat, who knows?

So we of course park miles away from the bag pick-up, which even when the discussion came if I needed a hospital, I realized I had NOTHING on me... no emergency contact, no ID, nothing! Just the equivalent of say 30USD in Dh. Soooo silly of me! So am hanging on to Neil, we go to the baggage pick-up, again, must have looked soo out of it because the lady immediately offered me a chair. So I get my bag, and literally, went to get my phone and was soo soo out of it, stared at it for a good 5 minutes as it looked different! Something was off and then I was thinking of someone replaced it? Kept on staring at it, couldn't register if it was mine or not (don't know whose else it would be), was soo bizarre! The icons looked a lot smaller to me as well as the print. So we walk to go back to the car and then I remember that my colleague and good friend Anil was there to support me and after my last runs he stretches me and we go for a burger (hehe). So I somehow recognize my phone again, and was in fact waiting for me and took the reigns from Neil to support me. Once he saw me he right away looked shocked. I guess I did look that bad. Anyway, got some more fluids, was still out of it but helped to walk. We did go to the burger place, but had nooooooooooooooooooooo appetite and basically took it home with me. I get home, take a quick shower, and then practically did a nose dive to the bed... where I just stayed for the rest of the afternoon/night.... except for a few bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Had a massive headache and even when was trying to nap, could feel my heart pounding. Again, tried to calm it down with breathing, buuuut don't think I slept slept until later that night.

Sigh.

Then today had a headache waking up and still felt my heart rate was going faster than usual, not super fast, just beating more, but headache finally disappeared and slowly my appetite has come back. Called in sick from work and thank gawd I did as had a FULL on schedule and really wouldn't have made it as still feel a smidge lightheaded and just... 'off.' Don't know how else to describe it. Went to see my good Serbian friend, Dr. Dejan, and we did ECG and checked stats and overall it looked okay, a super minor blip (ST?), but overall okay. Tomorrow have another checkup with a GP that covers my insurance so will get things checked out. He was confident all was okay, BUT considering I'm an endurance athlete and we're known to have enlarged hearts, just better to get these things checked out.

Am feeling MUCH better now (the day after). Ego and mentally a bit deflated have to admit, BUT 110% think I made the right decision to stop. Well, I don't think I had a choice as literally was going to faint. Thank GAWD I didn't fall. AND, well, if there is an angel out there looking over me, this was the time to show it. Out of ALL the people, really, out of ALL the people I know in Dubai, I couldn't have asked for a better person than Margaret to just be there. She really is a saving grace anyway, but for her to just be there and help me as she did, can't even describe how meaningful that was. Someone else would have panicked or been excessively worried, but she was calm, direct to get help and get to the right people, and also reassuring that I was going to be okay... that was most important. Likewise, with Neil, he whisked me away in his fancy jaguar and even though was a sweaty mess, was more than reassuring as well. It means sooo much to have such a great group. My phone has been off the hook with people checking in on me, so sweet and I really love this group! Will REALLY miss them!!!!

Will add some pics (1st half of the race, lol) in a bit.

So there you have it, a first for everything - a DNF!

Now need to recover mentally and physically and.... just move forward! #1 - Ensure health is okay and then #2 - Train for other races!

UPDATE: Thanks to ALL for their concern. Just when you are feeling your lowest, there is nothing like some love from close and afar. VERY touching! Not only have enjoyed some sympathy meals, such as my fave K6 with friend Kay, but also got back to back Serbian invites for delish Serbian foods! 

House #1 (at Mirjana and Micki): 

House #2 (Dragana)... coming later :-) 

Okay, on to more important things, my health!!! Got blood tests results and ALL cleared. Got ECG and .... looked 'fairly clear' BUT as both docs I went to were a bit unnerved, again, that an experienced runner like myself had the s*** hit the fan so badly, wanted to get the 'ol heart checked out so ECHO is to come next week. Still felt had heart palpitations and heavier breathing even doing simple things for a good 3 days after, and finally today, 4th day, feel normal - physically and even mentally. Physically, legs feel more or less okay (considering nearly ran the full mara), but heart just hasn't felt right (the inc thumping), but think it was taxed so much it just needed a few days to get to an equilibrium state again. Mentally, again, the love from so many people has helped and.... as people have said, "it happens to the best of us," which is true... another long time runner got a DNF and heard others fainting and having horrid races (or maybe am just tuning it to them because my race was so bad, lol!). 

Now that I've had a few days to think about it, really can't pinpoint anything in particular and it's been more or less entertaining to hear everyone's analysis. Nic was actually feeling bad that he lead me to a faster pace than I wanted and that that was what did it, I went out to fast. Ram, on the other hand, said that he saw me lagging behind them, which wasn't usually me, and that something was off even from the beginning. Others said the usual dehydration and the heat got to me. Others said the flu was going around and maybe got some wind of it. As for me, the aftermath symptoms were similar to the heat stroke symptoms I have had a recent history of, could very well have been electrolyte deficiency in that although I took one -etab right before the run, another one about 10-15km in, somehow I think I dropped my little e-tab baggie because then later when i wanted to take it, it wasn't there. Grrr. But probably that and of course dehydration although was putting water on my head and drinking. Who knows? What was the most 'off' for me personally was the heart thumping, was calm and then not, calm and then not.... it has been like that with the recent stress, but i guess probably taxed the heart too much during the 'race.' Feel ZERO remorse for NOT finishing, am actually sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo thankful I did, have put it behind me as a learning experience and will be more sensible and aware, and ..... Belgrade marathon, ready or not, here we come!!! (won't gun it with a best time or anything, now just want under 4 hours to be with my chums at the Comrades start, which, yes, still plan to do!) 

Lovely Lebanon

The New Year off to a great start with an international travel trip!!!!

Lebanon has been HIGH on my list being out here, many are often surprised I haven't been as it is again, just a mere 3.5 to 4-hour flight from here. So when a college friend said he was visiting Lebanon, I thought it would be the perfect time to visit. Thanks Kris! Plus, I felt rather comfy traveling with a guy friend for safety purposes. Contrary to a lot of thoughts and 'warnings' I saw on pretty much ALL sites related to Lebanon, I felt it was relatively safe! Maybe it was because had 'locals' with us most of the time, but overall felt super comfy.

Soo, one of the blessings of working here is the connections you make with people from all over the world. As soon as I let the word out about my upcoming visit, all of my Lebanese patients offered some kind of help. One, in particular, has a brother there, and as I was treating both her and her husband, it was a shoo-in for trust.

As has been the theme, was an action-packed 4 days!

More pics and descriptions on Day 3 and 4 to come soon!

Day 1:

• Arrive in Beirut! 
• St. Nicolas Stairs - "Stairs of the Art" - cool funky area, very colorful and hip. 

• Lady of Lebanon, Harissa - great viewpoints (of Jouniah) of the city and went up via a telephonique tram type thing. It's a cool area because it is a major pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims and is seen as an important shrine of Lady of Mary from all over the world and there literally are different Lady of Lebanon's all over the world. 

Rafic and I, my patient's brother! Super nice and a great driver... kind of was a driver/guide/friend. 

Gorgeous views of Jouniah

Hmm... look a little tired from the flight and... am wearing a sweater! Had to buy that just before I left as well as boots as realized I had NO warm weather (non-hiking) clothes! Haha

I just happened to be there on Orthodox New Years Day so lit a candle for my family :-) 

I like Manakish anyway, but fresh out of the oven with the zaatar of Lebanon is one of a kind. Amazing and delicious!!! 

• Jeitta Grotto - Wow! All I have to say is "WOW!" How is this not a wonder of the world? Apparently in the top 15, but soo impressive! This grotto with limestone caves had the lower part discovered in the mid-1800's, and the upper part not until the mid-1900's, yet the upper part now homes the worlds largest stalactite. The cave is just enormous! They told us that about 700m of the 2000+m is accessible to tourists, so one can only imagine what is to still be discovered. ! Also, the lower part has a river that actually has fresh water that supplies Beirut, it is said to be over 6000m, but the tourist part is a lot smaller..... You take this little boat to go through it and is just cool to admire it all.  Funny thing about going during offseason is that there is NO one around and.... well, although not supposed to take pics, they really didn't care and we did. Of course, pics don't capture the magnitude of the caves, but I was REALLY impressed by it!!! 

Whoop, there it is! The world's largest stalactite! 

• Fereya mountain! Well, on top of all the things Lebanon has to offer, skiing is one of them! So in furry one day, thought I was doing one of those free cancellation booking.com reservations, but it wasn't, soo although the slopes were still closed because of NO snow, we went up there to just have a looksy at the mountains. And I'm glad we did! We stopped at this cozy "Fireplace" restaurant in Mayrouba and had really delicious local eats. Have to say Lebanese food is second to none, sooo fresh! The salads, wow! Soooo green and had REAL taste (unlike Dubai, hmph). Was really amazing! 

And..... a wee bit later having some tea while our room was getting ready, all bundled up :-) 

Day 2:

• Fereya mountain! It actually snowed that night and nothing like waking up in this beautiful lodge and seeing snow outside your window. So we took advantage of it and went... snowmobiling!! Was SUPER fun, although layered up all the clothes I had yet was still cold, was too awesome seeing and feeling fresh snow. Was gorgeous as well! 

View from the window

Hehe, my Nepal hat. I guess inside joke for us that did Everest, no one else seemed to get it. Oh well! 

                                              

Haha, nooo am not an alcoholic! Was just for show... actually was having tea yet Kris 'ordered' some homemade Arak, and had a sip - very licorice-y, but too early in the morning for this! Lol 

• Faqra Site - what Lebanon isn't shy of is ancient Roman ruins. We literally stumbled upon this on our way down from the mountain....

Some view of the valley on the way down to Beirut:

• Saint Charbel Makhlouf Cathedral - Well, this is something. This Maronite priest and monk has quite a high reputation! He is known all around the world as performing miracles and also has an interesting story in that he died Xmas Eve and somehow his body is as if he was still alive, a flowing blood stream and still flexible. But he is most known for performing miracles and many have been 'cured' of varying illness by him.... even century later with 'dreams' of him 'saving' them.  

• Approaching Beirut, we went to the famous Aal Bahr restaurant for seafood. It had been recommended by 2 separate patients, and well, these patients apparently come from money because 1kg of fish was $60USD! That was the cheapest. We all kind of squirmed at this and decided to stay for the fab views, NOT get fish and just get mezze. Soo.. that price NOT my cup of tea, but really enjoyed the views!!! 

• Finally! Byblos in Jbeil!! I was almost getting anxious about it as you see it was almost sunset time when we had our late lunch, but it was fairly close to get to, so phew! Well, anyone that mentions visiting Lebanon mentions Byblos. Byblos has Phoenician roots and occupied between 8000 B.C. and 7000 B.C. and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Not only known was it the first city of Phoenicia, but also one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. It has had a complex history as a port, has Phoenician, Crusader, and Roman ruins. Very beautiful and although you can tell how touristy it has become, it still has a nice charm to it. Plus, we couldn't get luckier to actually see a beautiful sunset. 

The VERY popular souk area (can only imagine this being soo soo touristy in the summer!). Nice to walk through, but that's about it! 

Day 3:

• Corniche - We ended up staying by the Corniche and as luck would have it, it happens to be where it is the best to go running! So started this day with a nice 10km run along the beachfront, which actually reminded me of Chicago's lakefront, sniff sniff.  The weather was t-shirt and shorts weather and nice to see so many people out:

Ah ha! "Polar" bear club, lol. Okay, it wasn't that cold outside, but nice to see people still going out for swim's! 

• Deir Al Kamar - aka. Monastery of the Moon. This is an interesting area as it is highly Jewish, yet has a Monastery and Maronite Church dating back to the 15th century. What was most entertaining is that we somehow ended up on this little tour with again wax figures (what's with all the wax figures?) and had this little 'ol man that... bless him, was speaking English (we think?) but literally could not understand him, which we didn't discover till after we left when Kris said, "umm... was it just me or did you have NO idea what he was saying?" So we had a good laugh about that because Rafic was trying so hard not to laugh at us pretending we understood and trying to look interested, hah ahah. Guess you had to be there, just one of those things! 

Look at these cabbages!! Amazing!!!!!! 

Drive to the Moussa Castle.... the valley so pretty!

• Moussa al Mamari Castle - This man for 75 years built this Castle, all himself. It is full of wax statues and figures of his lifetime that represented his lifetime! It actually tells his life story, buuuut unfortunately, not too many English translations, so we had a little fun trying to be creative to make up stuff, he he. 

• Beiteddine - Best known for the Beiteddine Palace, built in the late 1700's/early 1800's and used by the Ottoman's, which you can definitely see. Had beautiful mosaics and very well intact... could definitely invision myself as a princess there! lol (that's what the boyz said, he he)

• Hamra Street! A more thriving area, quite busy, but nice to see a bit of action as so far we have been out of Beirut. We had a nice dinner at Al Hamra Cafe and was a good wind down to a busy day! 

• Downtown and Grand Mosque - We went for a stroll and although Kris has seen this Big mosque before, right in the heart of the city, he wanted to show me and I'm glad he did! It's soo interesting how the mosque is wedged next to a church, which is next to another mosque... which is right by these ancient Roman ruins! What a history Lebanon has!!!

Statue of Rafic Hariri

Day 4:

• Morning rainbow! It had been raining at night and thank GAWD Kris noticed it, buuuut literally just outside our balcony was this GORGEOUS rainbow! A DOUBLE rainbow too! It's the little things in life that are exciting to me, haven't seen a rainbow in.... decades???? Soo pretty and hopefully a good omen! 

• Hajjar al Hibla - Roman Quarry and the world's largest stone

• Baalbeck

• Anjar - Lebanon is super interesting because of all the regions of religions. Anjar is an almost fully Armenian community and right in the Bekaa Valley. What was MORE exciting, especially to Kris, is that we were a mere 4km from the border of Syria! Not only that, but we finally got to see some normal looking cedar trees, Lebanon's national tree and what they are famous for (even on the flag). Was actually nice as NO ONE was there, it was a bit drizzly, and just walking through this bit of forest area among Roman ruins was just.... nice! I loooved the fresh air and being in nature. Too good!

• What was probably the BEST part of the day #2, is that just like the morning, we saw RAINBOWS again! A double one! What are the odds? Really haven't seen one in a decade or so, and to have TWO double rainbows in one day surely must mean good luck!!! :-) 

• Chateau Ksara - ahh, now that we did all the cultural stuff,  time for some R&R! Ksara is an area also in the BekaaValley known for its wine! Soo, off we went to this winery that was founded by Jesuit priests of all things to do wine tasting and have a tour of the winery. It has an interesting story in this is at least the only wine cellar at least that I have been to that is in real and natural caves! Can't think of a better place to store wine, it's naturally temperature controlled! Was quite yummy and something different to do::

• Zeiytouna Bay - our last meal at this developed area just by our hotel, had our last yummy Lebanese meal :-) I'm totally obsessed with the salads! Soooo green and sooo fresh! Really night and day difference from the salads here in Dubai (which are x10 more expensive! Grr!). 

Day 5:

• Corniche run and La Rouche! Well, the other day when I ran, I literally got just about where I would have seen the famous rocks La Rouche, but stopped and turned around. Didn't actually think I could run there, but lo and behold, decided to go a wee bit further and... there it was!!!! 

Overall impressions: Have to say, Lebanon is a VERY complex country. The history is something in itself, not to mention all the different religions and cultures. I did make a comment how generally people seem to get along, BUT Rafic correctly said, "it's at a tipping point," almost like if one more drop goes in, there will be chaos. I kind of got that vibe as well. BUT have to say, overall felt fairly safe but 110% agree that you really need to have someone local be with you, it does make a difference!

I thought local people there are too too lovely. Soo generous! Rafic didn't know his way around that much, and everytime he stopped, it was "habibi" this, "habibi" that, "Habibi" is a term of endearment and love, but yet used all the time over there, even with strangers. Was kind of cute in a way, also funny! 

Coming from Dubai where everything is superficial and more or less man-made, no authenticity, being in a place where there is chaotic driving (they even drive without seat belts!), 'real' people (i.e. even Lebanese doing service jobs) is refreshing. The day we were driving up to Moussa Castle, etc, as usual, we stopped and asked for directions and this old man pretty much asked to have a lift, more or less hitchhiking. We said it was fine and then I asked what would have happened if we didn't pick him up? And how did he get so far away from his town? And he said not to worry, someone would have picked him up. Really? Just like that, so trusting and ..... nice! It seems the villages are more like that. Also, what we found REALLY generous is that most of the local people we met, including Rafic and Rouda (our driver to Baalbeck) insisted that they pay for lunch, snacks, etc. We kind of felt bad because we were the customers and NO WAY would this happen in North America, so I thought this was extremely hospitable and just.... nice! There ARE nice people in the world today, they all commented on how they wanted us to have a good time and that they are good people. Which they are! 

Besides the amazing good, really, so fresh and green (the salads, just awesome! Love the seasonings with zaatar and pomegranate, etc), nature really is amazing - beautiful valleys, these historic ruins, forests, mountains, a lot of things compacted in one little country! Which, speaking of, we noticed the 'older' generation (hehe, Rafic's age!) was a bit more 'bitter' about Syrians doubling the population of Beirut and Lebanon and taking all the resources, cheaper labor, etc. but then the 'younger' population, like Rouda, didn't really seem to care and were in their own la la land. Rafic was funny, Mr. Nice guy the 1st couple of days, and then the 3rd day he started to let out how he 'really' felt about Syrians, Egyptians, Gulf countries, etc etc. He used to work in Saudi, just like Kris, and that was a whole field day of conversation. 

So all and all, a great time!!! Am REALLY glad the weather held up, got to see snow for the first time in ages (and do a new snow activity), see and feel a bit of rain, have fresh FRESH foods (salads!), and learn a lot about the history of Lebanon, which is quite complex! Also was super to catch up with a fellow nomad, Kris is a super travel companion and we had lots of our worldly adventures to share! And some good laughs, according to him, I am like his "nana" in that I was going to be early and drinking herbal teas, lol. What's wrong with that? hehe :-) 

Until next time!