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Amazing Lebanon
Yesterday, Morgan and I had the privilege of enjoying the hospitality of the talented staff of the Arab Thought Foundation situated in downtown Beirut–surely one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We were finalizing the plans for the TAMAM conference that will begin tomorrow at American University of Beirut. Twelve countries will be involved in three days of sharing their work in school-based reform. One of the most heartwarming stories so far–and testimony to the importance attributed to this event–is that the new Libyan Minister of Education and two other colleagues will be coming–by land! In the next few days, I’ll be reporting on the events and ideas behind the conference.
Today, we visited just a small part of the wonders of Lebanon, a long and geographically diverse country much like California in its elongated shape. First we went to the Jeita Grotto northeast of Beirut. It really is two grottos (or caves/caverns). The upper grotto is vast and dramatic: “rich limestone deposits and an infinite variety of crystals reminiscent of wild petrified orchids, giant mushrooms and elaborate chandeliers.” Yet there is more: a lower grotto with a deep blue river maze that can be traveled by boat. This Grotto is a nominee for one of the wonders of the world; vote for its inclusion on line at www.jeitagrotto.com.
From the Grotto, we went to Byblos, the site of the longest occupied city in the world (circa 6500 years BC). Fortunately, we were with a knowledgeable archeologist who had spent time excavating at the site. He reviewed the complex history beginning with the Canaanites, the results of the excavations, and the mythological stories that emerged from this stone city. One of our favorites: The Egyptian goddess, Isis, discovered the remains of Osiris near the well in Byblos and returned to Egypt with the resurrected Osiris along with cedar oil used in embalming to ensure the resurrected life of the dead.
Next: the TAMAM conference
Linda and Morgan
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