Beirut is a university town, and houses the American University of Beirut - what the trusty book refers to as the most prestigious university in the Middle East. The area around the university is a bizarre mixture of university town fixtures and Rodeo Drive accessories. There are the low key eateries, but they seem populated by students driving up in luxury automobiles and designer clothes. This is another part of town where you have to remind yourself that you are in Lebanon, because English seems to be spoken more than Arabic (all instruction at the university is in English). I wanted to tour the campus, but that is for i.d. holders only. This stern security guard kindly let me take a picture of the hallowed entrance gate, but responsibly denied me further access. (3/30/05)
