Bidding Farewell

Quite a lot has happened in the last 3 months I spent here in Lebanon. After my plane takes off from Beirut this evening (just a few hours after the lifting of the blockade), I will have plenty of time to reflect on the extraordinary circumstances that drastically changed my initial plans.

I apologize for not posting in the last few days. Things get hectic when you discover that you’re traveling in a few days and you’re told that you’re not allowed to carry a handbag on the plane.

Being the lucky guy I always believed I was, I just learned that shortly before our plane takes off, the blockade will be lifted. Phewww…Still, I’m not sure if it will affect our scheduled flight to West Africa, a flight that usually takes 6 hours but now, thanks to the blockade, takes 12.

I’ll keep you updated on the details. I’ll see if I can post from inside the airport. If you have inquiries about flights and details, feel free to post them in the comments section. (Remember that because of comments moderation, you will not see your comments published until I get the chance to get online)

Thanks for staying with me while the terrible events were unfolding. But since there’s still a lot to talk about and since Lebanon is very far from healed, I hope I’ll be back to posting as of next Monday.

**Update**
I just called the Middle East Airlines. They confirmed that my flight will NOT go via Amman. that’s great news to all travelers to and from Beirut (Breath of relief)

**Update 2**
Right after the air blockade was lifted, an MEA plane landed in Rafic Hariri Airport. That plane had a lebanese flag hanging from the cockpit. THAT is the same plane I’ll be using.
Yes, I am living history and taking the first plane that takes off from Lebanon after the blockade is lifted. One small step for man, a huge step for the blogosphere :)

Yalla, see you later, I’m now leaving for the airport.