The next day I woke up a bit late, had my coffee under the shades, with the sound of the waves hitting the rocks beneath my feet. I was in a mood for some street photography and wanted to mingle with the locals and hear their stories.
Just around the corner, there was that splendid three stories traditional Lebanese house. The main entrance was wide open and I thought it was a hotel or a guesthouse. The second I walked in, I felt the positive vibes of the place and a man welcomed me with a big smile. His name is Georges Nour and he is the owner of this magnificent place called “La Pidraya” (named after “Pidraya” the daughter of a Greek king of Tyre) or “Beit Nour”. They did a great job in renovating the place with all the details, and I could clearly see the effort they have put to bring it back as it was before. I stayed there for a while enjoying his stories about the city and the house, but after a bit less than two hours it was time for me to leave, wishing I could stay more.
He recommended Mahfouz snack in the old Souk and it was way more delicious than expected with its “Fateyil” sandwiches.
After a long walk in the “Souks” and the narrow streets of this old city, it was time to visit Tyre’s Necropolis and Hippodrome. The “Al-Bass” is a Lebanese UNESCO World Heritage site. The Necropolis constituted the principle entrance of the city in Roman and Byzantine time. The main features are an impressive triumphal arch, the necropolis consisting of hundreds of stone and marble sarcophagi and a second century Hippodrome. Be ready for some long walks where you will need, other than your camera, water, good walking shoes and a hat.
I couldn’t leave this wonderful but underestimated city without having my dinner at “Le Phenicien” for any reason. Along with some shrimps, calamari, octopus and batrakh as starters, tasting its famous Paella with a bottle of El Ixsir white wine 2017 was a must.
As for the night, “Tavolino” was no doubt the best choice. The pub is relatively small, fitting forty to fifty people, and the old stone arched ceiling gives it a unique charm. I sat on the bar while Raed, the barman, served the best Gin – basil drinks I have ever had. The music was simply awesome and the least I can say is that it was a night to remember.
I planned to have breakfast at dawn in the famous “Foowel” Baroud, having foul, hummus and fatteh with a hot cup of tea, while the first sunrays hit the top of the churches’ bells and mosques.
