On January 2, 2023, amidst the warm New Year vibes in Cote D’Ivoire, I was already set on crafting the perfect birthday adventure for my 25th milestone. Yearning for something distinct and memorable, celebrating in Lebanon from Nigeria sparked my curiosity, thanks to Muna from Travel Letters, who effortlessly inspired my decision-making with her persuasive travel tales. It wasn’t just a trip; it was an exploration, a celebration, and a journey into the heart of something extraordinary.
Table of Contents
The Journey Begins – Lebanon from Nigeria
I decided to book my flight in advance, as usual, to save a lot for March 2 to March 8, a return flight ticket from Lagos to Lebanon and will transit via Qatar. Fortunately for me, I paid 282,000 to Qatar Airways.
I arrived at Murtala Muhammed Airport at 6:30 am on March 2 to catch a flight at 8:30 am. I had two hours to prepare for takeoff. The airport was crowded, and it seemed like the whole country was there. I quickly located the check-in counter for Qatar Airways, as they seemed to be the first flight out.
I was first instructed to drop my luggage in a corner while a representative checked my passport and returned it to me. I was then directed to a counter where I was asked to fill out a form that included my details and where I would be staying in Lebanon. After getting through that, the next counter asked if I had 2000 USD to show for my proof of sufficient finance while there, which I affirmed. I returned to get my luggage and proceeded to the counter that issued the boarding pass. I was carrying two luggage boxes, and as usual, they were weighed.
Before leaving the check-in counter, I was handed a departure card, which basically included filling in my personal information and details about my final destination. The check-in reps and other people hanging around the airport offered to assist in filling out the form, which I rejected, obviously not for free.
It was time for security clearance, and seeing so many uniformed men while I could hardly identify which force they represented, they all ended our little encounter with “anything for the us”. Learning from my past mistake, I understood that I would still be cleared regardless, hence I said back to them all “Nothing for you”. Shortly before the body scan, some officials tried to challenge me asking for my work ID card and trying to know the total amount I was holding, I really felt uncomfortable.
By 8:05 AM, I was already boarded and trying to take some pictures and videos. The flight was definitely on-time as there was no delay. My first time flying with Qatar Airways, I couldn’t help but check their in-flight entertainment options. For a 7-hour flight, there was a lot to be done. Luckily, there were Afrobeats artists I could be jamming to; Wizkid, Burna, and Davido, and also a whole range of movies. Unfortunately, there was no Wi-Fi on board. I really anticipated this because I already had some Wi-Fi voucher codes with me. I slept a lot and a lot while they served us food items at intervals.
Arrival in Lebanon
I touched down in Doha, Qatar at 5 PM and because of how busy and big the airport was, I got to the airport’s open area in another 45 minutes. Pretty much nothing to do as I was tired, I took some pictures while I understood I needed to catch up with my connecting flight to Beirut. My phone battery was already low, and I looked for a space to recharge. Around 7 PM, the boarding call was announced. I was actually too tired to document any new thing. All I knew was that the DOH – BEY flight landed around 10 PM.
At the time, I paid 2 USD for the Visa On Arrival which previously was 20 USD. It was very late already and I guess our flight from Doha was the last for the lady hence the immigration check-in was empty. I remember having a very short discussion with the immigration officer and he said he wanted me to teach him digital marketing. I had already pre-booked a taxi to transport me to my hotel. I arrived at the hotel at 11 PM. The stress from the long flight can’t be abandoned and I made sure to have a good rest.
Exploring Beirut
The next day, I started my day by visiting the Pigeon Rock. There were other tourists around the place, and everyone was taking pictures and videos. I was there for about 30 minutes before I proceeded to the “I Love Beirut” sign in Beirut Souks.
Everything here was just to create memories. Meeting other people and having to take pictures and videos of them was very exciting. There are so many brand stores in Beirut Souks ranging from Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, and Nike, among others.
I left Beirut Souks to Martyrs’ Square. It’s basically adjacent to the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, which is the biggest mosque in Lebanon.
While I wasn’t interested in entering the Blue Mosque, I took some outside shots of it. While I can confirm the beauty of Lebanon, I was interested in visiting the bay area. I found myself at Zaitunay Bay and of course, I didn’t miss the opportunity to take some photos.
The shopping bug hit me, and I couldn’t resist a trip to the ABC Verdun Mall. Seeing how big and classy the mall looked, I was ready to spend it all. I shopped in Zara, Nike, Alcott. After a while, I realised it was 5:30 PM. I had to wrap it up for the day and head back to my lodge.
One thing I really wished went well was the meal at the hotel. I wasn’t familiar with the cuisine and I wasn’t sure I was ready to give it a try. I requested a different meal before I realized I was in a different world.
A Birthday Wish
It’s March 5th. Happy Birthday to me! It’s my wish to fly high in the sky, hence I decided to journey to Jounieh, Lebanon, where I was to do paragliding.
This activity took around an hour, and I went back to the streets of Jounieh to have an ice cream. The ice cream was made in the colour of Lebanon flag and a small flag was added to it. Unfortunately, I was unable to do the cable car due to time constraints.
Mount Lebanon and a Missed Opportunity
Next, I went to Mount Lebanon. Jeita Grotto is actually a must-do while in Lebanon; however, phone and camera devices were not allowed into the cave, even though some people sneaked theirs in. I wish I was one of those people. I only have the memory in my head.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I couldn’t fulfil other parts of my itinerary, which included visiting Byblos Citadel, Batroun, Baalbeck, and riding in ATVs in the snow.
Reflecting on a Short but Memorable Trip
Although my activities was shorter than I intended, it was filled with adventure and fascinating experiences. It was a birthday celebration for the memories, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. This trip solidified my passion for travel and broadened my perspective on the world. It left me yearning for more adventures and eager to explore new landscapes and cultures. Lebanon left a mark on my heart, and I hope to return someday to experience its warmth and beauty more deeply.