Douma - George’s Hometown

One of our reasons for retiring in Lebanon is that George got to return home and to explore places in Lebanon that he didn’t have the opportunity to explore before due to the war. George immigrated to the United States when he was 18 in 1986 to stay with his brothers (Gus and Adnan) who had immigrated a number of years before. Hyam, George’s sister, immigrated a couple of years after George. His parents and one brother, Bassam, continued to reside in Douma, though they did visit us in the U. S.

George’s first return to Douma was in 1994 when we traveled there with a very young Natalie and Bassam and we have continued to visit over the years. Our family loves Douma and we feel so fortunate to have an apartment in the building that his brother Bassam built. This allows us to stay in Douma where we enjoy the cooler mountain air. We also enjoy exploring different hiking trails and spending time with friends and family.

It is really impossible to capture the beauty of the Lebanese mountains, but I have made my best attempt. Here is a link if you would like to learn more about Douma.

A view of Douma taken by Bassam in 2022

On the way to Douma you can see the oldest olive trees in Lebanon

Bassam and George…tree models

Douma is shaped like a scorpion and this view of the tail is from our friend Amile’s cliffside restaurant. George’s childhood home is in this picture.

This stone is in the center of town and is the Sarcophagus of Castor mentioned in the Wikipedia link.

Bassam enjoying some Lebanese food and beer with the view of Douma down below

We enjoyed some cool evenings at our place in Douma…featuring Bon Bon

Bassam and Jaimee Lee preparing an amazing meal in our little kitchen

A beautiful sunset view from our patio

Random lizard sighting

A beautiful restaurant in the old Souk (market) in Douma

You can hike to this cross up above Douma. It is very common to find crosses like this throughout northern Lebanon.

This beautiful Globe Thistle grows all over the mountains in Lebanon. In the background you can see the peak with the cross.

Statues of various saints can be found throughout Lebanon.

A delicious seafood lunch at Chalhoubs in Douma. The cloudy drinks that you see are Arak with water in it. It’s a traditional Lebanese alcohol that is made with Anis and goes very well with every meal.

A view to the sea from the mountains above Douma