The Corniche

The Corniche

On Saturday, I thought I'd walk to a nearby neighbourhood called Hamra. I eventually found myself on the American University of Beirut (AUB) campus at northern end of the city. A few twists and turns through some streets and I found myself at the Corniche.

The Corniche is a seaside promenade. It runs for 4.8 kms from Beirut's downtown/CBD along the city's northern and western coasts. There are stunning views of Mt Lebanon in the north and brilliant sunsets over the Mediterenean to be had from the Corniche. I started my walk at the northern end of the Corniche and followed it for pretty much it's entire lenght. Unfortunately, it was a little cloudy/hazy the day I was there, so I didn't get a clear view of Mt Lebanon.

The Corniche is a popular spot for the locals to hang out. I saw walkers, runners, cyclists. Young and not so young guys swimming. I also saw people picniking on rocks, playing cards, smoking hookah or just hanging around having a good time. Lots of men fishing - I didn't see anyone catch anything. Teenagers skateboarding and BMXing. Families, dating couples, singles, groups of friends and a random foreigner like me, all out enjoying themselves on a Saturday evening. On the random foreigner note, I was actually a bit of a tourist attraction to some kids - a group yelled "hello Chinese" out of a passing car and waved madly and toddlers just stared like I was the most fascinating thing around (their parents smiled and said hello). I've already concluded that Asians in Beirut fall in two categories - Japanese businessmen and Fillipino maids. As I am neither a man nor a maid, I think I confuse people. I disgress - back to the Corniche.

Where people gather, traders also will. There were street vendors selling snacks (sweet corn seemed to be quite popular), toys, and hookah. There is even an amusement park at one section of the Corniche called Luna Park.

I thought this was a rather nice shot of a pretty corn cart against the beach south of the Corniche.

Rather than me rambling on, I'll let the photos speak for themselves. While the Corniche is a great spot for people watching, I didn't really take photos of people as it seemed too invasive.

Young guys risking their necks diving off the Corniche.

Too hazy for a clear view, but it's possible to vaguely make out Mt Lebanon in the distance.

A lone fishermen and a glimpse of one of the private beach clubs.

More from a beach club

 

Raouche Sea Rocks (aka Pigeon Rocks) at Beirut's westernmost point.

A pigeon decorating the fence around Raouche.

The setting sun - pity about the clouds, but still beautiful.

I was slightly annoyed with myself when I got home and discovered that I'd inadvertendly set my camera to a very low resolution. As a result, the pictures are less than great. Still, it gives me an excuse to return for another afternoon of people watching.