LAST DAY

There is always a “last day” to travels....where we look forward to going home and look backwards on all the fun, frustrations, and new experiences we had. Lebanon was a trip to learn and experience the reason we are all here...our grandparents exodus from the land of THEIR birth to the new land of America.  But first..... we had to go back to the jewlery store in the Armenian part of town. We had a leisurely breakfast, made by Cindy, trying to use up all the leftovers....then we took off to see the Sursock Museum in downtown Beirut.  We ended up having a nice lunch in the Museum cafe before we toured the art. I really liked the museum and picking some last minute gifts in the Museum store. Then Uber to the rescue once again and a journey to the Jewelry store where the cousins had custom made pieces to pick up.  Oh so fun!
Back to the apt and a bit of packing up and then a short walk and shop for the last time.....we ended up at our favorite happy hour bar for the usual drinks and popcorn.   And finally a last dinner, but none of us were very hungry, so it wasn’t a big deal...and we were anxious to finish packing.
The morning came early, as Ali was picking up at 5:30 am!
A lot happened on this trip, and as usual, will be digested by each in their own way. For me, I really felt Lebanese and the presence of our ancestry. Many things started making sense......but even tho we had some questions answered....there is still more to explore. I would definitely enjoy coming back and maybe doing a bit more searching for relative information. Lebanon is a complicated country, but filled with beautiful, educated, hard working people. The food is on a plane all it’s own, and the friendliness of the people is wonderful.  We never had a bad personal experience....”you’re welcome”. That phrase, which we Americans say AFTER someone thanks us...is offered FIRST in Lebanon....as in “Hi, nice to meet you, you’re welcome”...... as You ARE welcome! Always.  I take that home with me!