First Journey Day 25: Temporal Tapestries

Date: September 18, 2023
Location: Byblos, Lebanon

I arrived in Byblos, Lebanon, an ancient seaport where layers of civilizations meet the Mediterranean light. Among stones shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, and Crusaders, the day unfolded like a palimpsest of memory and tide.

Walking the Ruins

Today, I delved deep into the heart of Byblos, exploring the ancient archaeological site. As I walked through the ruins, I felt the weight of millennia beneath my feet. The remnants of temples, houses, and fortifications whispered tales of Phoenician traders, Roman conquerors, and Crusader knights. The juxtaposition of ancient stones against the clear blue sky was a sight to behold.

The L-Shaped Temple

I was particularly drawn to the remnants of the L-shaped temple, believed to be one of the oldest structures in the city. The worn-out steps, the faded inscriptions, and the columns that once held grandeur now stood as silent witnesses to time's passage. I took out my sketchbook and began to capture the essence of the place, letting my emotions flow onto the paper.

Stories with Elias

A local guide, Elias, approached me, and we struck up a conversation. He shared stories passed down through generations, tales of love, war, trade, and faith. I was captivated by his narrative, and it added layers of depth to my understanding of the site.

Dusk Over Byblos

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the ruins, I sat on a stone, reflecting on the day. Byblos, with its rich tapestry of history, had left an indelible mark on my soul. Today was not just about seeing a historical site; it was about connecting with the past, understanding the flow of civilizations, and finding my place in the grand scheme of things.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Clear sky, high 84.72°F / low 76.35°F; a gentle breeze around 8.84 mph carried the sea’s coolness through sun-warmed stone.
• Scents: Salt air, dust warmed by light, a trace of thyme and coffee from nearby streets.
• Sounds: Footsteps on gravel, gulls circling the harbor, soft Arabic conversation, Elias’s voice weaving memory into stone.
• Reflection: Time felt layered rather than linear—each sketch line a thread stitching past to present.

Continue the Journey

If you’d like to linger in Lebanon’s coastal light, step back to yesterday’s reflections in Tripoli, or revisit an earlier moment in Beirut with “Mosaic of Memories.”