School trip and Farewell Rawdah high School

Today was my last day in Beirut and with the students from the high school. I had the immense pleasure of accompanying year 7 and some teachers on their trip to Beit el Dine, an historic palace in the mountain region of Lebanon about an hour from Beirut. 

Prince Bashir I built the castle for the Druze people and he called on Italians and Syrians to decorate it. It was built in 1814, 200 years ago. The local population were also invited to help build  the unique palace though legend has it that after completion, he cut off the hands of those who built it so it would remain one of a kind! 

Every year they celebrate festivals at Beit el Dine. These festivals have continued for the past two hundred years.

An ancient olive press

There are 160 rooms in this castle. In every room there is a water fountain which was strategically placed for when important meetings took place the sound of the water blocked others from hearing the discussion.

The writing on the wall is a quote by the Prince which translates to "he has to keep a watchful eye over his people"

The president's room who really does spend most summers at the palace.

An example of a mosaic which dates back to the 4th century. 

The gardens of the place with many cedar trees, which you will find illustrated on Lebanon's national flag. 

Our students design work on the wall at school.

Our Farewell meal with the English department and Mr Chaloub and his wife at the best Lebanese reataurant in town! And it was!  All in all, this has been an absolutely professionally and personally enriching experience and I hope that everyone learned something about this partnership visit which we no doubt intend to continue. I also look forward to sharing it all with students and staff upon my return to LSA.

Thank you Rawdah high school for an unforgettable first experience of Lebanon. I look forward to visit number two! 

Wit Katia, and Bassima at the restaurant and  With Eli, and Reema on the school trip. 

And with Hanadi. Though only a few of the great team of teachers at Rawdah.