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Lebanon Day Trip
We started off our drive from Beirut to see the Baatara Pothole in Tannourine.
It is just a short hike to see it’s beauty. On your way down if you’re looking for adventure you can choose to walk across a monkey bridge.
If you don’t want to hike back up you can take an open air teleferique back up for an additional fee. It’s worth it even if just for the view.
Our next stop was the Phoenician Wall in Batroun.
My Mama, my sister and my cousin! By then we were starving so we headed to Jammal restaurant.
The view of the Mediterranean Sea was absolutely beautiful! You pick out the fish you want and you can have it fried, baked or grilled.
Our table was directly in the sea, we ate in our bathing suits and swam afterwards. It was my first experience and I can’t wait to bring someone special to experience the beauty and decadence. It is a must visit!
I really recommend bring water shoes the rocks were a bit tough on my bare feet.
Taking a photo of the family at our table in the sea 
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Lebanon part 1
Visiting Lebanon was a dream of mine since I first ate Tabouli with my mom as a little girl. My Mama spent her formative years in the Middle East. She told me stories with such detail about Lebanon that when we visited, it felt like it wasn’t the first time. I knew the roof top where my mom preformed her first play as a child and the house that my great grandma made snacks in. The beautiful garden where they picked fresh tomatoes.
The front garden of our families mountain house It was my Mama’s first time back in 38 years and my first time visiting.To see how the light shines on the Mediterranean, drinking fresh mint tea, and having lemons to accompany every meal was a dream. Getting to know and meet my family members was extremely special. I got to learn the source of the traditions and customs that make me who I am.
My Mama riding in a vintage taxi For instance when you invite some in to your home you insist that they sit and stay awhile. You always offer them something to drink and eat, you bring it out preferably on a tray. I have come to learn that these acts which use to feel like obligations are actually a way to show that you appreciate your guest.
Our Family When you greet someone in Lebanon you give three kisses! My Mama has always shown my sister and me a tremendous amount of affection. To the point where me sister asked her to please stop, she was too old for kisses. In Lebanon I learned you are never too old to have your cheeks pinched or to receive a kiss.
Getting to know people and explore the land that I come from has helped shaped me. I have been so fortunate to be linked to my history. To not only know the names of my favorite dishes but to be able to make them. I could speak a few worlds of Arabic before I left and I came back with so many more. I am honored now more than ever to be Lebanese. I am so excited to go back!
This is a sneak peak of my 10 day trip! Keep a look out for my new posts!
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Trippin Alana!
Hello!
Two years ago I wanted to start a blog but lacked the commitment and dedication. I also felt like I didn’t have anything to write about. I followed blogs in a hope to inspire me. Instead I felt like I had nothing to say or contribute. I learned that I was holding myself back. That instead of saying yes to adventure I was making excuses. If I wanted to go visit someone I waited for an invitation that never came. If you don’t communicated to the world what you want, it will never give it to you. I felt like I was at In N Out waiting for a milkshake I never ordered (strawberry is def the best). I saw inspiration and was even hungry for it, so now I am living the daydream!
Trippin Alana is me saying YES! even when I am not sure what will happen. Going on the adventure and figuring it out on the way. Every moment can truly be extraordinary. I got to be a princess in India, learn how to eat sugar cane in Mexico and ate Tabule everyday in Lebanon. That’s only the start. When you go on a trip whether it’s a bike, car or hot air ballon ride away there is adventure to be had! So stop trippin and take a trip.
This is a space where I will share my travels, photos and what I learned along the way. So please, sit, and stay awhile.
