First we had to traverse the city traffic- notoriously horrendous!
To enter the motorway we had to drive through a check point area.
Lena and Wassim led the way on the tour of the caves. First we stopped a memorial commemorating the entry of French troops into Damascus in 1920 and also marking the evacuation of foreign troops from Lebanon in 1946. 
Upon arrival we took a short cable car ride to the top where the entrance to the upper grotto was located. 
We then had to surrender our phones as not photos were allowed in the upper cave. We walked through the 1.5km deep cave and back which was well lit so that we could take in the breathtaking views.
The grotto was discovered in 1836 by an American who decided to venture into the caves, fired his gun, and lit up the caves only to discover this incredible natural wonder of the world. Visitors from around the world come every day.
The caves are perfectly sculpted naturally through a process of water erosion and the unique columns are stones that have been shaped through the erosion of the sedimentary rock and limestone.
In scientific terms it is a mixture of water, carbon dioxide and calcium carbonate which dripped through the cracks from the surface and over time (over 2 Million years!) has created these stalactites-some of which have grown to 8.2 meters.
Following the visit to the upper cave we then travelled to the lower cave which is where you can take a short boat ride along the emerald coloured water which is located underneath the sculpted pillars.
Here is one part of the water control system. Very fascinating and a sight of Lebanon not to be missed.
The resident mountain goat!
The grotto was discovered in 1836 by an American who decided to venture into the caves, fired his gun, and lit up the caves only to discover this incredible natural wonder of the world. Visitors from around the world come every day.
The caves are perfectly sculpted naturally through a process of water erosion and the unique columns are stones that have been shaped through the erosion of the sedimentary rock and limestone.
In scientific terms it is a mixture of water, carbon dioxide and calcium carbonate which dripped through the cracks from the surface and over time (over 2 Million years!) has created these stalactites-some of which have grown to 8.2 meters.
Following the visit to the upper cave we then travelled to the lower cave which is where you can take a short boat ride along the emerald coloured water which is located underneath the sculpted pillars.
The boat ride inside the lower cave.
Here is one part of the water control system. Very fascinating and a sight of Lebanon not to be missed.
After the visit, we drove to a restaurant in the hills and had quite a feast! Lebanese food is fantastic!
Tomorrow is another day in school where I will present to the school leadership team, take part in the Connecting Classrooms coordinators' meeting and also prepare for our objectives that will happen Thursday and Friday in Art and English lessons.
Tomorrow is another day in school where I will present to the school leadership team, take part in the Connecting Classrooms coordinators' meeting and also prepare for our objectives that will happen Thursday and Friday in Art and English lessons.
Good night Beirut!
Hi Sandra, absolutely fantastic, what a stunning place and the kids and staff look so Well done on a beautiful presentation.
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