Walking in the streets of Beirut is a wonderful thing.. You discover hidden places, magical alleys, forlorn doors and flowery windows.. all part of the scenery that I cross everyday by car but do not actually see. So I decided to stop the car and just walk and contemplate. Part of the architecture of Ashrafieh (east Beirut) is influenced by the French, which makes you forget where you are. Even the people in their little shop salute you with a Bonjour when you walk in.

A world apart.

Here is a picture taken few days ago.. these buildings tend to disappear and are replaced by gigantic and sometimes monstrous concrete buildings.