Lightning visit to Lebanon, Petra and Dead Sea,

On 22 Dec 2010 was a free and easy day for the group members but all of us opted to go to Lebanon fo a day visit. Though we started early, the border check took so long, more than 2 hours, and by then it was early afternoon. The drive in Lebanon was unique with scenic mountain view with houses tucked away in valleys and on hills. The roads are winding and the hills were still covered by thin snow.


We stopped at Jeitte Grottoes, the underground caves with stalactites and stalagmites. We were boating in the lower part of the cave to see more white shining stalactites and stalagmites glowing beautifully. I was impressed with the beauty of the cave but none so far could compare to the stunning formation of variety of stalactites and stalagmites in Mulu Caves, especially the King's Chamber. I informed some members of the group to make a point to see what our own country can offer so that we could appreciate and be more proud of our heritage. It's pointless to travel around the world but just disregard the interesting places available at our own door step. Gua Tempurung would take our breath away to see the two level of colours of white at the top and dark grey at the bottom - unusual combination in a cave.
What I appreciate about Jeitte Grottoes is that they are very strict in enforcing 'no camera' ruling and appropriate behaviour with no pushing or rushing. Everything is done orderly and the place is sparkly clean. The tour gyuides are mindful of the regulations unlike many tourist guides in our country who are not so mindful of the regulations and blatantly break the rules. I have seem a tourist guide in Putrajaya acting like a big boss raising his voice demanding the workers to let his group from China cutting Qs and became unruly. In the boat he just grabbed the microphone from the guide and babbled in Chinese, disrespecting other tourists in the boat. What did the guide do? Nothing!
By the time we reached Beirut, it was almost 5pm and getting dark. We visited the stunning Hariri mosque with amazingly beautiful interior. I could just stay there observing the intricate architecture and design but we had to move on. Just next to it is a church. From far, one of the minarets of the mosque seemed to be having a cross on top. It belonged to the church.













Hariri mosque, Beirut.











Nearby is the high end shops mostly selling original branded goods such Jimmy Choo, Channel, CD, Prada etc etc with half of the price you pay in KL.

Beirut is another experience that I would like to repeat with leisure, one day, insyallah.







PETRA, JORDAN 22 Dec 2010

I have been to Jordan some 10 years ago but missed visiting Petra. I read and saw a lot of pictures of Petra and it has heightened my curiosity. One of the attractions of this trip is Petra but the visit proved to be so disappointing. It was just ridiculous to go to Petra and spent about 2 hours there when there were so many things to see but that was what we did. The delay at the Jordanian-Syrian border cut our time for Petra a whole lot. We arrived at Petra just before 4 pm when the gate would be closed and darkness set in.















The walk inside to the Treasury is long, on uneven track. Noraishah and I decided to take horse carriage inside and paid US$40.00. Imran, the carriage driver was such an impatient man who was not friendly and not interested to entertain tourists' curiosity.










When we arrived at the Treasury, he demanded to be paid. We know if we paid him he would just leave us so that he could get more tourists in and we would be left on the lurch. So we ignored his demand and he scowled and yelled. We kept on taking photographs but felt uncomfortable at his loud yell for us to come in the carriage so that he could deposit us outside, at the starting station. What a rude Jordanian, so greedy.












All in all, I was really in awe of Petra. The rocky complex was so magnificent and majestic. Imagine having people living in the rocky hills a long, long time ago. No wonder my son-in-law, Justin, talked so much about the mystical Petra. Now I understand what he means exactly.









Entrances to their cave dwellings were still intact. The Treasury, intricately carved from rock is the ultimate attraction. How did those ancient people did it in such a skillful way. I felt fulfilled and humbled by the magnanimous structure which made me gaped with wonder. Syukur alhamdullillah that Allah allows me the pleasure of seeing this world famous Petra though the visit was short and didn't give me opportunity to explore the area more. Maybe, God permits I may see it again one fay.









At the Treasury, carved totally from rocks.












DEAD SEA, JORDAN 26 Dec 2010

Another lightening visit we did was at Dead Sea. The place has changed so much since the last time I visited about 15 years ago. They have landscaped the area and made it more attractive with modern facilities. None of the group member wanted to swim in the Dead Sea as it was already late. I swam and float in the Dead Sea years ago confident that I wouldn't sink even though I don't know how to swim. The sea is still calm and serene which pulled me to soak my legs in the very salty sea water.