Quick Weekend Trip to Cairo

End of February 2010

I met up with 2 friends from my time in Guatemala (Audrey & Tish) in Cairo for a long weekend. Audrey is currently living in Sudan and Tish lives in Cairo so it was a perfect location for a quick getaway. We had so much fun sightseeing Cairo, drinking wine, talking books, shopping, and just being together.

I had bad images of Cairo before I went there but I was very impressed with Madi (the area where Tish lives) and I didn't feel too hassled by the Egyptians. The pyramids were amazing but the best part of the weekend was hanging out with my friends!

A collage of some of my favorite photos from the demonstration in Lebanon. I find these photos very moving... I also love that the mosque that is in the background is often referred to as the Hariri Mosque (basically he financed the rebuilding of it... or something like that).

Demonstration in Lebanon - Valentines Day

Okay, there are a lot of photos but it helps give you a feel for the strong sense of "I heart Lebanon" that was being felt at the demonstration.
Oh, and in case you didn't know... this demonstration was in honor of Hariri (ex-prime minister of Lebanon). He was assassinated in 2005 and the country has been mourning/investigating his death since then. He is often referred to as the Father of Lebanon - he helped restore downtown Beirut after the war. For more information on Hariri go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafic_Hariri or http://www.google.com.lb/search?rlz=1C1SKPC_enLB346IT347&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=hariri

Moza's First Experience with Snow

Even though Moza is almost 3 years old, has been to 4 different countries she had yet to experience snow. We went up to Faqra Club (a private snow resort in Lebanon) and had a fun day of hiking in the snow and had a picnic on the rocks. As you can see from the pictures Moza had a blast playing in the snow! I love the picture where she looks ferocious; really she is just overcome with joy!

First Attempt at Skiing in Lebanon

January 30th, 2010

We were all geared up... had rented our skis and were set for a day of skiing in Faraya. Sietske, Bethany, Adrian (Sietske's son) and Adrian's friend were eager to get on the slopes for the first time this year. We pull into Faraya and we see motionless lifts and cars exiting the resort. The weather was too warm for skiing today.

Not easily discouraged we kept our ski rentals in the back of the truck and rented some snowshoes. Adrian and friend went off with other friends while we trekked around the mountains for the afternoon.

I had a great time. I wished I had brought Moza, she would've loved playing in the snow... maybe next time.

Another Beautiful Day in Beirut January 9, 2010

A few days after leaving (freezing) Minnesota, Moza and I decided to head to the beach and enjoy the beautiful sun in Beirut. We played in the water and enjoyed watching 4 orange cats that were quite terrified of Moza.

Notice you can see two cats in the hole - there were actually 4 shoved in this small hole (hiding from Moza) but they are hidden...

In the last picture you can see the smog of Beirut :( and the snow capped mountains in the background :)...