Beirut, a city with a tumultuous past marked by civil war and financial strife, is a place of stark contrasts. On one street, you might find trendy cafes and modern apartments, while on others, boarded-up shops and makeshift barricades stand as a reminder of the city's tumultuous history. Despite these challenges, Beirut remains a vibrant and fascinating place, with a bustling student community and a thriving market. The port explosion in 2020 is still evident in the city, with many buildings either abandoned, in use but severely damaged, or under construction. It's a place where the past and present collide, and one that we found truly captivating.

While we were there, Isreal and Lebanon were negotiating a maritime border. Unfortunately, tensions were rising quickly and threats were being made on both sides. We didn’t want to wind up stuck in Beirut like Anthony Bordain was in 2006. So after 48 hours, we decided to depart early but vowed to come back.

Reading:

• Kyle: Marco Polo Didn't Go There by Rolf Potts
• Kelsey: The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Listening To:

• Kyle: Dave Matthews Band
• Kelsey: morning