23 The City of Tripoli

Tripoli is an old city, not as small as some people (ME) thought it would be, and a highly dynamic place to be. The problem is it's grimy and old, not as picturesque or grand as Beirut, but far more historic. Whereas Beirut has the feel of being continually modified and really contemporary in some instances, (we are totally discarding the Roman ruins we have under Down Town Solider for the benefit of gentrifying the area into something pretty and new). Tripoli is very old and traditional in feel. This transcends to its people. I was taking a cab back to my dad in Al-Tell, when my cab driver got harassed in the middle of the street by the car we were trying to pass in front of us. Both cars stopped in the middle of the street yelling at each other and in a total macho display of granduer screaming "EIB" or "RUDE". I got my own personalized sense of the city and the advantage of a special show. I wanted to take pictures, but they looked really angry, and something in me said: "Not the right time!"

Below are pictures of the city, I included in them some landmark sites, and also some more modern and classy sites, so that you get the whole city in a few pictures.

Clock Tower (AL TELL)

The Souk for Jewelry

Khan al Saboun (Soap made from Olive Oil)

The Soap is sold in an Old Ottoman Bath in the center of the Souk

I wanted to get a feel for the city outside of the Souk, so we walked towards the Waterfront, which is an hour away walking, the city is filled with such cute culturally specific tributes that you don't see as often in Ras Beirut's more commercialized district.

And then we stumbled upon one of the classiest Champs Elysee like streets with beautiful buildings and prettier shops. It feels like a different city doesn't it. Did when we were walking!

We passed the renowned Abdul Rahman Hallab and Sons known for some of the best desserts in the Levant. Cute and interesting factoid: Knafe, a cheesy sweet crusted dessert, was originated in Nablus Palestine. We Tripolians perfected it.

Most of Tripoli actually looks like this with streets filled with stores, banks, and restaurants.

A great Uncle of mine was a Sheikh and had a street named after him!