A much misunderstood country

Lebanon. Say the word, add Beirut to it and people immediately conjure images of war, destruction, hostage taking. It takes someone brave enough to dispel those images. Dom Joly strides across the length of Lebanon like a colossus, with not so eager companions Chris and Harry in tow and hikes through unparalleled beauty....cedar forests, mountain passes, gorges and valleys. A rich book that is travel writing at its most enjoyable. A real sense of place, of people, of politics and history, problems and society. I laughed readily and often. But most importantly for me, Dom Joly has made me want to jump on a plane and visit Lebanon and not only for its incredible cuisine.