Lebanon

As we whittle down our project, I'm trying to leave at least one country in each region to give us one last 'trip' around the world, meaning Lebanon will be our last country in the middle east for awhile (we have Oman left). 

Lebanon is often called 'God's country on Earth', in part due to the 1500 year old Cedar Trees that is not only featured on the flag, but are believed by many to be 'Cedars of God', planted by God's hands.

 Though the dominant religion in Lebanon is Muslim and Christian, Lebanon is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the middle east. But that has come with its fair share of issues. Between 1975 and 1990, the Christians and Muslims split Beirut and were embroiled in a disastrous Civil War. 

Even today things are still rocky (just look at the 2017 most memorable moments), and as you would expect in a country with violent extremist groups, there us a U.S. Travel Warning, telling all US Citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon. (Sidenote: I do not love the new U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings page). 

Some people, however, say Lebanon can be safe if you're smart about where you go, and for sure stay away from the Syrian boarder (there's even a Wikipedia page about it). 

Despite its troubles, Lebanon has a lot to offer. With its gorgeous green valley, 140 miles of Mediterranean coastline,  and wine regions, Lebonon could be a travelers dream. 

Our landmark sits just off the coast of Beruit. The rock arches, called Pigeon Rocks, are a stunning natural landmark. It's popular in the summer to take boats out around them to have a closer look. 

Lebanon has a rich history. The country, in name at least, is said to be 4,000 years old. (The name Lebanon even appears in the Bible). 

 Egyptian, Greek, Persian, Roman, Arab, Crusader, and Ottoman ruins are scattered throughout the country, and all the important ones are easily accessible. 

And although not much remains, the southern Lebanese coast is where the ancient Phoenician Empire was born (shout out Spaceship Earth, "Remember how easy it was to learn your ABC's? Thank the Phoenicians, they invented them!" 

The Phoenicians were the original people of Lebanon, and their empire rivaled all the best (Greek, Roman, Egyptian), they're also considered the first seafaring people. The word Phoenicia was the ancient name of Lebanon, which translates to 'land of the purple', because the empire was built on the trading of Tyrian purple dye that was squeezed out of a rare sea snail. (If you wore the color purple, you were totally a VIP back then!) 

Byblos, Tyre, Sidon, and the capital Beruit are all among the oldest continuously populated cities in the world. 

Throughout history Lebanon has been occupied by at least 16  different countries. Lebanon in it's current form has only been a country since 1943. 

Lebanon was once known as the 'Paris of the Middle East', not only because of its beauty, but because of its cocktail bards, restaurants, nightclubs and fashionable districts. 

The boys made their Lebanon postcards. 

Calib's featured the ABC's and a boat for the Phoenician Empire. 

Peyton showed off Pigeon Rocks. 

And Hayden drew a cedar tree. 

With a new dog (yes, we adopted another and she is HIGH maintenance -- but getting so much better), I've felt bad for Asa. She was so high strung, she's needed to go running. (Like four miles a day running, which ONE isn't my thing, and TWO, she pulls way too much--- though we are working that). So, basically, Asa is running about four miles a day with her. So, to ask him to make dinner on top of it, just felt like too much. 

But when I found the recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma, I knew he'd be excited. An easy dinner and he'd get to use his beloved instant pot! 

We rounded on the meal with bananas,  authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh, and Batata Harra (Lebanese-spiced potatoes) 

This dinner earned five spoons up. 

We've had Shawarma before, and the boys all really enjoy it. Almost everyone had seconds. But those potatoes, let me tell you, they were some of my favorite potatoes we've had on this journey around the world. And we are at country 163 here people, that's a lot of potatoes. 

We colored Lebanon in red on the Mediterranean, to the west of light blue Syria, and to the north of orange Israel. 

That's 163 down, 33 to go! 

Next Up: Paraguay