Beirut

Beirut it a crazy city. Admittedly, the nightlife is overrated if you're not into Hummers and designer clothes, but it's a beautiful place with hospitable people and delicious food. Highlights include:

• Exploring the city by bike, thanks to a great company called Beirut by Bike. It was remarkably easier than biking in Istanbul.
• Riding a Ferris Wheel- maybe for the first time(?)
• Sleeping on the roof of a hostel (because there wasn't room inside). Actually this is only sort of a highlight because the mattress and pillow were really moldy and smelly.
• Visiting the very impressive National Museum of Beirut, whose artifacts barely escaped being destroyed in the Lebanese Civil War.

Anyway it was a great trip but I'm glad to be back home in the 'Bul.

London Calling

I've been in London for the past two days visiting good friends, drinking fantastic coffee, seeing priceless artifacts/works of art, and seeing incredible places. (ordered in list of importance).

There's more words and pictures to be shared about the awesome time I had here but any in depth reflection will have to wait till I'm back in Istanbul.