First impressions...

Got to Beirut, Lebanon, last Wednesday night. The heat was incredible when getting out of the cool airport.
With Haissam and Rabihs uncle we went to Tripoli where we stayed at Haissams place. We had the best sleep ever...
We are spending almost most of our time with cousins, uncles, aunts and nieces, which was something one needs to get used to coming from the good old west where its also sometimes nice to be by yourself. I did get used to it (so far) and enjoy it a lot. (Except from me sitting on the balcony without anyone being around - that upcoming sickness I can tell..)
We went to an island today about 30min by boat from tripoli. Its been paradise. We went swimming and sun bathing and didnt realize how time was going by.
People here are incredibly friendly and open towards everyone. Thats how it seems like as a tourist.
Yesterday we went to the mountains where an aunt and uncle of Rabih have a cabin. It would have been a lovely place if I hadnt had my on-every-travel-first-days-get-used-to-food sickness and stayed vomitting all day. Youre welcome for sharing.
I wonder if I should keep writing in English or German?!
We are thinking of staying a day or two in Syria on our way to Turkey as we have a three day visa. Turkey will be good.
I am trying hard to learn arabic numbers. Its incredible to hear Rabih speaking arabic as if he had spoken it for years (He did from 1-10).
El-Mina is the christian part of Tripoli. I still cant really tell how people here think of other religions, as I have heard some weird quotes about Muslims. I shouldnt draw a picture too fast I guess.
There are some really aggressive mosquitos here though. More agressive then anywhere on this world i'd say!
We've seen gekkos, goats, fish, cats, dogs, turtles, and lots of crickets today.
I am happy to be here.
Cheers!

Living it up with the Arabs

Going to Lebanon on Wednesday, pass Syria and end up in Turkey.
Oct 12: India, Malaysia, ....... til March '10