http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33193 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33193 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27067
If you’ve always wanted to learn more about Lebanese food and experience first hand what it really is like to enjoy an authentic, lavish Mediterranean spread then this seven-day culinary journey across Lebanon will leave you with a well-rounded taste of Lebanon and each of its region’s specialties. You will visit six different regions, savoring each region’s specialty and learning the process and technique that goes into making that certain dish that each region is renown for.

The culinary journey across Lebanon will visit Beirut, Byblos, Batroun, Tripoli, the North, Mount Lebanon, Baalbeck, and the Beqaa. The tour is led by Bethany Kehdy, a Lebanese national and seasoned food blogger. She has prepared a fascinating list of fabulous activities including many food demonstrations, harvest-your-own expeditions, visits to ancient towns and bustling markets, wine tasting at vineyards and even a fishing trip. And of course there will be lots of relaxing by the pool, lavish lunches, and exotic dinners.

The first edition of Taste Lebanon will run from 23 September to 1 October and spaces are limited to only 11 participants.

For more information visit www.dirtykitchensecrets.com/taste-lebanon-a-culinary-journey-across-lebanon/]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27067 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23220
There is a relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere wherever you travel in the city. The downtown area has had some serious re-development and looks a bit too new and clean, but where else will you be able to find old churches, a mosque that's only six months old, fancy bars and shops that wouldn't look out of place in Bond Street, all side by side? Although, take a closer look down the road and you will still see bullet holes and the scars of being attacked, (which is precisely why the re-development has been able to occur).

The best way to get around is in a shared taxi, which will cost about £1 to go around the city or £5 to travel to must other places in Lebanon. Do not, however, catch a taxi from the airport as these are ridiculously expensive; start to walk out of the airport and you will get stopped by a taxi where you will get one for a much better price. Travelling elsewhere though is extremely easy as Lebanon is so small everywhere is a short day trip away. I only had time to visit Balbeek, and to have entire ancient city practically to yourself is well worth the trip. Driving there is certainly an experience, as road rules simply don't exist, but that just adds to the charm.

Lebanon is also incredibly cheap and the people the most genuinely welcoming and happy to see you that I have ever come across in my travels. It's also very safe, so whatever you hear about Lebanon in the news, don't let that cloud your judgement. The place certainly deserves more people visiting it (although I quite like being pretty much the only tourist).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23220