Beirut

While traveling to Beirut might sound as fun as vacationing in Baghdad, some neighborhoods in the “Paris of the Middle East” are relatively safe, and—as viewers will discover—colorful and interesting. In addition to visiting sites such as Martyrs Square and strolling along the Corniche, Globe Trekker host Megan McCormick takes side trips to Tripoli (Lebanon's second-largest city), the Roman ruins in the Bekaa Valley, the lakes and spectacular underground caves of Jeita Grotto, and the ancient fishing village of Byblos. The program's warning that “as peaceful as it may sometimes seem, and though the civil war has long been over, fighting can still flare up at any time, and the region is still unstable” turned out to be prophetic. In July 2006—two weeks after filming on this travelogue wrapped—violence broke out between the Israeli military and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. While things have since settled down, this guide wisely emphasizes checking government travel advisories before heading to the area. Of course, one of the advantages of watching this DVD is that viewers can appreciate the rich natural, cultural, and historical attractions without having to wear a flak jacket. DVD extras include the bonus episode “Planet Food Lebanon,” with Globe Trekker's Merilees Parker highlighting regional food specialties. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)