Beach Day!

Today we were able to take a trip to the Palm Islands, just off the coast of Tripoli with our friends Fabio, Gretchen and Mike. Palm Island is an amazing, small island that is some what private. We were able to enjoy some beach time, and be in the Mediterranean. The problem here in Beirut is there is so much of the sea, but really no where to go in and enjoy it. The water is dirtier than you would like, and mainly men are in the water. There are parts you can go into, but you have to pay to go, which isn't really a big deal. But today, we did it up right. We took a bus with a tour group called Vamos Todos to the islands, and then a boat to the island. Before that we stopped at a Mamluke citadel from the 14th century. It was amazing how well it has stood the test of time.

At the island we just hung out in the water, which was amazing. The water is really salty, but so warm. Then the tour group prepared a great lunch, grilled fish for everyone, (we didn't have any), baked potatoes, and of course, hummus. Seriously, I think Ryan and I could live on hummus.

Last night we went to a member of the PE department's apartment which has this insane rooftop view looking out over the Corniche and the Mediterranean. There were a group of us talking and sharing stories about the first week of school, and then of course watching the sunset over the water.

Here are some pictures from the beach trip.