Byblos, the oldest city in the world

A couple of weeks ago we visited Byblos, in Lebanon, which claims to be the oldest constantly inhabited city in the world. (Damascus in Syria and Jericho in the West Bank of Palestine also claim the same title). Byblos, known as Jebail by the locals, was established in 6320 BC.  Whether it is the oldest city or misses out on this by a few years or even a few hundred years (to be forever contended), there are the most incredible things to see, and the ruins span the ages and empires from Neolithic and Bronze Age remains to  Ancient Egypt, from Phoenecian to Persian to Hellenistic to Greco-Roman to Crusader to Ottoman to French colonial. And modern day Byblos, which surrounds the ruins, felt and sounded quite a lot like Cronulla in the thick of summer. We were even served some pizza by a Cronulla boy. We knew he was from Cronulla as soon as he said "No worries" to our request for a high chair. He then told us that when he is in Byblos, he is a good boy because his mum is there, and when he is in Cronulla, well, he is a bad boy. He didn't provide any examples of  what "bad" could be, but I had a few ideas.

Here are some images from Byblos:

Crusader castle with mosque in background

Remains of Persian castle and lion carving, over 2500 years old

Roman amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean



The well around which it is believed Byblos was founded. Spot the yogi soaking up the ancient energy.



Ancient Byblos with Modern Byblos beyond, and the cove we named "Cronulla"





We loved the flowers amongst the ruins

Great Byblos restaurant where Charlie befriended the locals, especially one handsome local. (We're just friends Lockie, I promise! - C)

The next morning we pursued Charlie's (my) obsession with swimming in all the world's seas (which this year have included the Timor, Andaman, Dead and Red Seas) and headed to a town called Batroun for a swim in the Mediterranean. Charlie was a big fan. (She wasn't into the Dead Sea - too salty for her little eyes, or Timor - too much .... e Coli). 

As Charlie and I had our Sea fix, it was Dave's turn and we headed into Lebanon's mountains for some....you guessed it....rock climbing!

We arrived in a little village named Lalouq, which is one of Lebanon's ski resorts in the winter. Before we had even unpacked the car, Dave had organised a rock climbing guide for the very next day. That afternoon, we had a picnic and explored the mountains, still a little snow capped.

And the next morning, Dave got up close and personal with the mountains while Charlie and I admired from below.

 Back in Beirut, the main attraction for Charlie was this elephant. We'll be heading back to Beirut to see this elephant again. And the damn tasty french food.

10 days in Quirky Kiev

Kiev is Quirky. It's a random mix of Soviet culture, Western European culture and..... Raunch culture. We saw quite a few naked people. I wanted to take their photos but Dave wouldn't let me. He got nervous at the last minute that he would have to fight a naked man. Or several naked men. Probably a valid concern.

So instead, I photographed other quirky elements as well as some traditional aspects, such as the many golden domed churches.

However, the most exciting thing to happen in Kiev...perhaps ever....was that Charlie took her first steps there! The day before the big event, she stood up, unassisted, 10 times in a row, so we knew something was up as she did her power standing and looked mightily pleased with herself. So before you get to see our Quirky Kiev photos, please witness the Charlie standing series:

 

The next day, Charlie walked 3 steps solo! And although we were not ready with camera to capture this tremendous moment, we certainly did capture her Daddy's jubilation moments after:

And her mummy encouraging her to "do it again", "do it again"!!! (She did do it again, moments later, and has continued each day to get better. Her current PB is 10 steps in a row :D

Ok folks, as advertised, it's Quirky Kiev time:

The thing that I loved about these guys, but failed to capture in the photo, is that neither of them even bothered to zip up the butts of their suits, they were just hanging open.

Russian war memorabilia

Dave has been dreaming about this eye wear for months. He even tried to make some. Then when he found it, he crumbled and didn't purchase. He couldn't handle the dream becoming a reality.

This was the inside of a door in a toilet cubicle at a restaurant!

My first Fernicular

Fernicular love

Gotta love a city where old men gather to play chess in the park

Beaches along the river (where said nudity and some aspects of "raunch culture" occurrs)

Zebra skin, Gramophone or Paintings anyone?

There was so much pork belly for sale at the markets, so much!! And caviar.... And berries....!

Obligatory golden dome church shot. Couldn't take a photo of the quirky aspect which was fascinating practice of people kissing the glass coffins of mummified monks in the catacombs below this church (called the Larva).

Random tropical religious iconography

Charlie and her Babushkas



The Golden Gate constructed by Yaroslav the Wise in 1037. It didn't keep the Mongols out.



Pancake shack!



 

Kiev locals who BYO tequila, lemon, salt and silver goblets to airport insisted we had 3 shots each with them for our future health and happiness. Dave insisted it would be rude to say no. They followed their shots with an espresso chaser.  Kiev, you sure are quirky.