Hampton's Heaven

Carter and Hampton (Wade's parents) had a fantastic week-long visit in Lebanon. There's a lot to share, but we'd like to start by focusing on Hampton's impressions of this country. So here's a brief list of why Hampton fell in love with Lebanon:

1. Lebanese Beer

Lebanon, out of all the countries in the Middle East, is the friendliest towards Hampton's favorite beverage: beer. If we lived in Tehran or Kuwait City, two places experimenting with prohibition, then Hampton would have been miserable. Instead, we live in the beer brewing capital of the Middle East. Lebanon brews a mind-blowing two types of beers - Almaza, the Budweiser of the region, and a fantastic micro-beer called 961.

Hampton, enjoying an Almaza on a beach in Tyre.

Hampton insisted on taking this picture, even though we didn't think it would turn out. Then we realized that it captured the two things he loves most in the world: Carter and beer.

Hampton, bonding with a "Mountain Maronite" from Bcharre over a beer.

2. Real Live Lebanese People

Hampton has always loved mixing it up with locals wherever he travels. But for all of Hampton's gregariousness, he was matched by the hospitality of the Lebanese people. After his third day in Lebanon, Hampton proclaimed the Lebanese to be "the friendliest damn people I've ever met."

This is a Palestinian child running to say hello to Carter and Hampton along the Roman road in Tyre. We assumed that she was Palestinian because of the refugee camp that juts up against the ruins in Tyre.

This is Nasser Ali in Hermel, a remote Shi'a town in the north Bekaa Valley. We were lucky that Nasser Ali was in this restaurant - he spoke English and translated our orders. In the middle of the meal he bought four Pepsis for the whole family to enjoy.

Hampton with some local teens in Bcharre. We couldn't tell if these guys were laughing with or at Hampton. Regardless, they reminded Megan of the students that get sent to her office.

Based on their light-blue hats, these three gentlemen are not Lebanese, but Hampton couldn't resist the opportunity to meet real-live UN Peacekeepers. As he asked to take their picture, Hampton proudly declared, "I'm a big fan of your work."

Hampton ended up getting so excited about Lebanese people, that he took a picture of nearly every local that he spoke to.

These three pictures come from one of the best moments of the trip. We were driving along a high-altitude road that cuts across the northern tip of the Mount Lebanon range, when we stumbled upon a local family enjoying the last few patches of snow. Just as Wade slowed down the rental car, Hampton popped out, ran up the hill, and body-surfed his way down. For the Lebanese family playing in the snow, it was like a Martian-clown descended to earth, entertained them for 30 seconds, and then drove off into the sunset.

3. Lebanese Cliffs

Hampton, apparently since an early age, likes to play on ledges. There are plenty of ledges in Lebanon. As soon as we drove into the mountains, every turn seemed to have a cliff to make Hampton's heart race.

Carter, on the other hand, is not a fan.

Wade and Hampton on a self-guided tour of the Qadisha Valley. This valley is not just one of the prettiest spots in Lebanon. It might be one of most stunning hikes we've ever taken.

Three feet to Hampton's left awaits a 200 foot drop and his death.

4. Lebanese Ruins

And, of course, Hampton couldn't get enough of the layers of history that lie in Lebanon.

The necropolis in Tyre.

From inside a Phoenician tomb overlooking the Qadisha Valley.

Hampton and Carter doing their best impersonation of the famous lion head at Baalbek.

Hampton's new crush, Charbel, our guide through the ruins of Baalbek.

Yes, Georgia has the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. But somehow, Civil War trenches back home just doesn't compare - and clearly Hampton is going to miss the ruins.

So overcome with the glory of ancient Rome, Hampton felt compelled to kiss this granite column in Tyre.