Thanks for an interesting article! I'd love to visit Lebanon, even though it feels too risky at the moment.
This reminds me a bit of my experiences from Kosovo and Moldova/Transnistria. Everything feels somewhat fine on the surface, even though you know things can start going downhill at almost any given time.
Yes it's definitely a very unique place. I went there on a day tour from Moldova back in september. However, it would probably have felt less safe going there on my own.
My first posts here on Substack are about my trip to Transnistria, feel free to check them out if you're interested!
Thanks for reading, Brad. Like most of my travels, I didn't know I was going there until I got there. And yes, tragically Lebanon is quite literally a country that is always in the crosshairs.
What a great adventure. While I have never been to Lebanon - I do remember being on the border in 1981, during their civil war and seeing the smoke and hearing the guns from where we were.
So many people are afraid of being outside of the US, thinking they may be the next victim of some random kidnapping, or something else. People have reached out to me lately asking if I am okay, impacted by the violence of a few weeks ago in Mexico. I refuse to give into those fears and stay at home with the blankets over my head. Instead, I feel you have to embrace the life of a traveler, be aware of your surroundings, don't do anything stupid, maybe not go into a war zone, and boldly go and explore someplace new!
Yes, Lebanon's political & societal conflicts are both internal and external (like many countries) and have been a part of the country for a very long time. An it's an interesting example of an inter-faith Arab culture -- which, I guess, is really what this post is about!
Happy you continue to travel and fill your life with joy, Sue! The world is indeed a beautiful place and we're so lucky to be able to experience it, warts & all. 💕
Such an incredible journey, Erin. This was your second trip to Lebanon, first in 2012? I remember Anthony Bourdain's segment on the country, years ago (of course). He said how beautiful the country is, and he too raved about the food. Great post!
My “Adventures of a Nomad” Substack series includes excerpts from my book of the same title based on my 2-year solo trip to 62 countries volunteering with humanitarian organizations.
I’ll update the copy of this post so it is more clear. 👍
Nice! 🤗 The first 2 books (actually book + bonus chapter) are about my time volunteering around the world. The stories are told through the emotions I felt as I traveled & engaged in philanthropy.
Lebanon ❤️ my favourite country. Thank you for this story, Erin.
A beautiful and sobering piece of travel writing.
Thank you, Kyla. I so appreciate your kind words.
Great story Erin. The more things change the more they remain the same.
Yes, unfortunately for us in this case.
Thanks for an interesting article! I'd love to visit Lebanon, even though it feels too risky at the moment.
This reminds me a bit of my experiences from Kosovo and Moldova/Transnistria. Everything feels somewhat fine on the surface, even though you know things can start going downhill at almost any given time.
Glad you liked it, Jonathan! Transnistria is super interesting to me. But, yeah, probably not a great time to visit there either…
Yes it's definitely a very unique place. I went there on a day tour from Moldova back in september. However, it would probably have felt less safe going there on my own.
My first posts here on Substack are about my trip to Transnistria, feel free to check them out if you're interested!
Yes, would like to read! Please link 1-2 here. 😊
Sure!
https://jonathank1997.substack.com/p/tiraspol-transnistria
https://jonathank1997.substack.com/p/chitcani-transnistria
Awesome! ✨ I look forward to reading.
Great story. It's quite an experience going to part of a country that isn't controlled by the government of that same country.
Lebanon never seems to catch a break. Every time there is a problem in the Middle East, they suffer. It's been that way for so many years.
Thanks for reading, Brad. Like most of my travels, I didn't know I was going there until I got there. And yes, tragically Lebanon is quite literally a country that is always in the crosshairs.
What a great adventure. While I have never been to Lebanon - I do remember being on the border in 1981, during their civil war and seeing the smoke and hearing the guns from where we were.
So many people are afraid of being outside of the US, thinking they may be the next victim of some random kidnapping, or something else. People have reached out to me lately asking if I am okay, impacted by the violence of a few weeks ago in Mexico. I refuse to give into those fears and stay at home with the blankets over my head. Instead, I feel you have to embrace the life of a traveler, be aware of your surroundings, don't do anything stupid, maybe not go into a war zone, and boldly go and explore someplace new!
Thanks for sharing your stories.
Yes, Lebanon's political & societal conflicts are both internal and external (like many countries) and have been a part of the country for a very long time. An it's an interesting example of an inter-faith Arab culture -- which, I guess, is really what this post is about!
Happy you continue to travel and fill your life with joy, Sue! The world is indeed a beautiful place and we're so lucky to be able to experience it, warts & all. 💕
Such an incredible journey, Erin. This was your second trip to Lebanon, first in 2012? I remember Anthony Bourdain's segment on the country, years ago (of course). He said how beautiful the country is, and he too raved about the food. Great post!
No, I only visited Lebanon one time - in 2012.
My “Adventures of a Nomad” Substack series includes excerpts from my book of the same title based on my 2-year solo trip to 62 countries volunteering with humanitarian organizations.
I’ll update the copy of this post so it is more clear. 👍
Thanks. I’d love to read about your work, Erin.
Nice! 🤗 The first 2 books (actually book + bonus chapter) are about my time volunteering around the world. The stories are told through the emotions I felt as I traveled & engaged in philanthropy.
Travel Books & Guides - by Erin, Nomad Life - Nomad Life https://share.google/ndTFLfmPIddOEdY7i