So Beirut has tanks and soldiers patrolling the streets. News on tv and newspapers portray Beirut to be a war-torn city. We have heard gunshots the other night and Syrians refugees beg on the streets. But Beirut is beautiful when you go to the safer side of the city. It is like every place, it has a bad side but it also has a good side. It is actually a gem in the Middle East, a must-see city.

On my 6th day here, I finally got the chance to go out and see some famous landmarks. We went to the Rock of Raouche, a famous rock in Beirut. There was a cafe overlooking the beach and the food was wonderful. I had chicken provencal and an avocado juice and it was heavenly. Bay Rock Cafe is a place I would recommend for those who would visit Beirut.

After lunch, we took a taxi to Downtown Beirut. Beware though, before going in the taxi, you should negotiate with the price otherwise they will over-charge you and it is not cheap!

Downtown Beirut seems more like Europe. It took me back to Paris or Rome. Cafes lined up the streets here. There was a beautiful mosque nearby. There is a Christian church too and it is interesting to see them in one area. And I found a souvenir shop where I bought my fridge magnet and some collectibles. There is this tree with lavender flowers that I just love. This is the first time I have seen such tree.

Okay, I may have not gone out a lot in Dubai to see such unique hookahs.

After a short walk, a Starbucks coffee under a tree was perfect to end a day out and about in Beirut.

It was my last day to be able to go around the city and maybe I will go back to see more scenic spots and hopefully next time my family can come with me. If I can some things with me from Beirut, it would be the fab weather and the friends I made there.