We found Lebanon to be the the most diverse country in the middle east. You have skiing and the Mediterranean, Christians and Muslims, good wine and beer, Roman, Islamic, Egyptian and French history, happy people and internal tension.

It started in Beirut as it always does. Our university friend Will took us out to the cool understated local places. It was the perfect place to get to feel the beat of the city with the locals. The wife was shocked by drinking on the streets, too long living in Dubai!

With a tour company we made our way to Baalbeck, one of the largest standing roman ruins, an amazing site that is well worth a visit. You stop by some foundations on an ancient Islamic city on the way. After another night out in Beriut we joined Will and his friends for some skiing in the Ceders. Yes it was April and yes there was snow. Good fun was had on and off the slopes and Hillary managed her first ever ski session, on her feet and on her bottom.

From here we hired a car and enjoyed driving round visiting the bustling markets of Tripoli, the overpriced fish restaurants of Byblos, the walking pelican and crusader castle of Sidon and the small harbour of Tyre.

Back to Beruit and a flight home but we are sure this captivating country will draw us back again.