Lebanon

Later on after getting settled, I go for a walk alone in the city center of big, glitzy Beirut. My enthusiasm is dulled immediately. I discover that wherever I go I’m the center of attention, and not in a good way. The local natives are offended by my presence and my Western-style garb. I’m met with hisses and angry shouts wherever I go. I head back to the safety of the hostelry. (Wanderer, page 262)

I go back out into the streets and walk around to greet a new day. I make my way to the famous Pigeon Rocks, a symbol of Beirut and Lebanon, which jut high out of the sea like huge stone fingers. Soon I find myself surrounded by a group of angry people shouting at me. (Wanderer, page 263)

Tall Building as one looks out from Pigeon Rocks

I’ve heard of Fatah as a known Terrorist Organization. “Come, follow me, I’ll show you our office,” he says. I hesitate. What am I getting into now? But I continue following the guy to his lair. We arrive at a modern office tower. I take the elevator up to the eleventh floor with the guerilla revolutionary. “Are you for or against?” he says to me. (Wanderer, page 256)

Baalbek, Lebanon

Beirut, Lebanon