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.