You find me now in Lebanon the homeland and how fitting to start this new adventure at the very site where the first Lebanese flag was raised.
Timeline was 1943 and location was a strategic hill in Falougha where the French had a major military training camp. Through an act of defiance by Lebanese soldiers, they lowered the French flag and raised the Lebanese flag in its place and it has been the case ever since.
Next decided to go on a little hike to check out what they called the Fallougha Lakes. The views from the parking was amazing!! If you look really closely you could see the Mudairej Bridge . At time of construction it was the highest bridge in the middle east at 263 feet
The hike itself provides impressive views of the ridgeline:
Ultimately you will see the lakes:
Next decided to visit the vibrant village of Hammana. Its claim to fame is the Mezher Palace. It was once the residence of the famous French poet and statesman Alphonse de Lamartine. He wrote:
One of the most beautiful views that men have ever beheld, an opportunity to paint the creation of God, is the valley of Hammana. Painting or words can describe only one detail of the fairylike treasure with which the Creator endowed Lebanon. The greenery, the trees, the orchards and the forest are renowned, going down in succession and filling the valley with their riches….
The best views of this can be seen from Cherrylane. Its an exquisite combination of coffee shop, restaurant & lounge under one roof. The name is fitting as the town is famous for its cherries.
As you enter the main square you will be greeted a town well:
Adjacent to it is a colorful building with a weathervane at the roof. This used to be the Old Cinema and today its become the Roxy Center apparently it was still a movie theater before covid times but today you just find game machines for kids and they also sell ice cream and popcorn.
If you closely within the alleys you will find some interesting street art. The one below is specifically by a group that call themselves the Anonymous Heroes. Their concept is to travel to different cities and villages and seek to uncover personal and collective memories, tell the stories of local residents, and give visibility to these anonymous heroes who enrich their communities with history, tales, and anecdotes. Apparently the one below is of a vintage wonder box. It is only 1 out of 6 that I spotted. I will have to better lookout for them next time
But definitely something about the buildings of the square. There is a surely history behind the many buildings but very hard to uncover anything about them online.
