Istanbul > Tbilisi > Beirut

Every once in a while things line up for the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. In this case, it was the combination of a flexible work schedule and my friend Amir living in Beirut. 

I'd never really had a huge interest in visiting the Middle East (or Eurasia), 

A neat little street near the place we stayed in Istanbul

Wandering the streets of Istanbul

We saw a concert our first night

The famous Gallatea tower

Typical Turkish breakfast (at least for us tourists)

Inside the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Inside the Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia - Upper level

Door near the Hagia Sophia

View from the Hagia Sophia

Mosque near Hagia Sophia

Gate detail, Istanbul

Ancient obelisk, Istanbul

Flowers in Istanbul

Another Turkish breakfast

Building in Tbilisi

I grew a moustache - it was looking good just one week into the trip.

A sewing machine factory converted into a trendy hostel/bar in Tbilisi, Georgia

The entrance to a different bar

Inside.

Instead of crosswalks, Tbilisi had these underground tunnel things. During the day, they were lined with small shops.

The baths in Tbilisi (they're famous!)

The hot water spring weaves between buildings

Mosque in Beirut

Marina in Beirut

Beirut street

View from my friend's apartment in Beirut

Buildings in Beirut. The whole city felt like an amazing combination of old and new.

Beirut salads with my friend.

Interior, Amir's apartment.

Lebanese wine country

Olive trees (I think)

Two old friends hanging out in Lebanon

Lebanese winery stop

Beirut sunset