Massaya Winery, Bekaa Valley

30 of us climbed out of the bus and onto the vineyard grounds.  We remarked over the ancient olive trees that formed the perimeter for rows and rows of grapes.  We found ourselves on a lavender lined walkway, heading toward a fenced stand of trees and awnings. We heard water trickling into a long troughlike fountain, with roses about, as we arrived at the "oasis" that would be our resting and eating place for the afternoon hours. Right away I noticed the woman with her large upturned black metal-like bowl over a brassier of coals, patting out pita and laying it on the hot "bowl" to bake. This was my first time to see pita being made.

Ryan (HS English) and Amanda from Cle Elum

Lovely Ladies who Cooked Lunch for us

Woman Baking Pita

While it was hot off the oven, she spread it with zatar, herbal and tasty, or a mystery buttery mixture that was delicious too.  I took mine to the huge plank table and chose a tomato, then sliced and added it to my pita. There were olives and Labneh, a thick white yogurt, to add. Then we selected from a basketful of greens:  mint, arugula, baby romaine, and many others I cannot name.  YUMMY!  Lucy warned me, "Carolyn, there's a lot more to come!"  She was so right. From there, we feasted!  And we drank liberally of the Massaya red, white, and rose wines, culminating in ARAK, a liqueur that came out of a TALL blue bottle, and tasted like licorice (like oozo?).  Anyway, it was pretty.  Took lots of pics; will add some here.  After hours of feasting, talking, meandering about, eating more, and taking photos, we visited the winery shop and purchased t-shirts,   bought bottle openers, and of course, wine; many bottles of wine.  We loaded ourselves onto the bus to go back over the mountains to Beirut.

I've got to tell you, the winery was splendid and uniquely Lebanese; the kind of place I'd like to take you when you come to visit me in Beirut! 

As the bus took off, Juls' bluesy voice belted out "Summertime" and we joined her. That's how the singing got started. We moved on to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough..".."We will, We will rock you"...  and that was only the beginning.  We sang even when we forgot the words!  By this time, someone had pulled the cork on Andrew's wine, and it along with another bottle or two were making the rounds.  What started at the back of the bus, spread throughout the bus; singing, clapping, and uncorking.  At the top of the mountain the bus driver must've gotten tired of our American music, because he put Arabic music over the PA, and that's when the dancing began.  Yes, we were DANCING IN THE AISLE OF THE BUS as it wound its way along. Most ALL of us danced, in some form.  It was just a riot of clapping dancing, laughing, and passing the wine bottles. I have to say that it was the most memorable bus ride of my entire life. And it didn't stop when we entered Beirut city limits!!!

Back in Beirut, we joined our brave principal in her 9th floor apt.  By contrast, it was beautiful; serene.  We gathered on her outside deck, now night time, enjoying views of the Med and surrounding city. By this time I was back to water, and getting better acquainted with colleagues.  It was lovely and calm; just happy.  I loved talking with Gretchen, Andree, and Lucy. Lucy and I left our Principal's apt and had a pleasant walk home, along Bliss Street. 

It is a lovely Saturday night, and people are enjoying the outside restaurants.  Beirut is a night time city, especially during the hot summer months.  You can walk out onto the street and find everything alive and open at 11pm.  It's a different lifestyle.  I've always been, still am, a day person. Can't imagine that that could change, but on weekends, Maybe?  As for tonight, Time for bed!