Nicolas K., 10-years old. Qartaba, Lebanon.
Canon EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi
Canon EFS 18-55mm.
Plagued by decades of war, the tiny Mediterranean country of Lebanon continues to surprise and survive, finding its own way in the turbulent Middle-Eastern region and 21st-century.
Qartaba (aka 'Kartaba'), Lebanon is a beautiful, tranquil mountain village. At 54 km distance from Beirut, Qartaba sits on the mountains above *Byblos, one of the oldest cities in the world (*worth a visit for the old souq, countless fossils--20% of the world's supply is from here!, and ancient seaport).
At an altitude of 1250m, Qartaba is recognized with having a healthy climate and beautiful scenery.
The Mediterranean Sea dips into the Lebanese countryside in the picturesque Bay of Jounieh.
Jounieh is the capital of the Kerserwan region and is home to the prestigious Casino du Liban, as well as LBC (Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation). Also, in only nine minutes, Téléphérique (a cable-car system) transports passengers from Jounieh to an altitude of 650 meters at the Our Lady of Lebanon shrine in Harissa.
The city we know as Byblos in the Western world is a Mediterranean city in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of present-day Lebanon, called Jbeil (جبيل Ǧubayl) in Arabic. It is believed to have been founded around 5000 BC, and according to fragments attributed to the semi-legendary pre-Trojan war Phoenician historian Sanchuniathon, it was the first city ever built, and even today is believed by many to be the oldest continuously-inhabited city in the world.
It is mentioned in the Bible in 1 Kings 5:32, referring to the nationality of the builders of Solomon's Temple.
So, it's old.
Harissa (Arabic حريصا) is an important Lebanese pilgrimage site high above Jounieh, located at 650 meters altitude from the coast and 20 km distance from Beirut the capital city; the site is accessible either by a steep winding road or a nine-minute journey by a gondola lift, known as the "Téléférique". It attracts both pilgrims and tourists who want to enjoy views of Jounieh.
The main site is a huge 15-ton bronze (and painted white) statue of Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Lebanon or Notre Dame du Liban/Harissa or Our Virgin of Lebanon, with her arms outstretched.
Harissa, an important Lebanese pilgrimage site to Christians & Muslims alike, is high above Jounieh (located at 650 meters altitude from the coast and 20 km distance from Beirut the capital city). Take an unforgettable nine-minute journey by gondola lift, known as the "Téléférique,” up to Harissa for the BEST views of the Bay of Jounieh and Beirut!
Don’t let the name fool you! With over 200 items on the menu, you can find anything and everything at Barbar: Manaeesh (a signature Lebanese staple—not to be missed!), pizza, hamburgers, sub sandwiches, even doughnuts—all with an unmistakable “Lebanese twist”!
Raouche, a neighborhood in West Beirut, is most synonymous with its famous Pigeon Rocks--two huge rock formations, which stand like gigantic sentinels; a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. View the Rocks from the famous Corniche, a wide seaside sidewalk, and peruse cliff-side cafés.