As usual, it has been a while since I last posted something. Except having been in Germany for 5 days, nothing much has been happening.

The turmoil in the region is continuing, despite all the efforts of the organization, the situation is not improving, actually it is getting worse. More people have been dying every day in Syria, our colleagues becoming a target too. The reports from there are not good, so even here we do not know what the future brings. In Tripoli, in the north of Lebanon, fighting has started amongst various factions as well. Will it spread to the rest of this country, we don't know but of course there is always a possibility. Therefore, in order to be prepared, today we had an evacuation exercise. It started at 6 am and went on for three hours, with participation  of civilian staff and the military. Although many smile about it, for me it is indeed good to practice, same as with everything else. Of course this gave me an opportunity to use the camera again, which I had not really done so in the last three weeks, with the exception of the reception in Germany.

The security section and everyone else was very well prepared, and in order to ease the pain of getting up early a bit, coffee, tea and even croissants were provided. In addition some lectures about relevant themes were held to all participants, all of which was very well received. Though we know, if the situation escalates and reality will always be different then the exercise.

I choose to convert all the images to black & while, as I like it much more for such a theme, gives it more seriousness which it deserves.

Our military colleagues were also on board to protect the venue and of course to participate as they will play a major part in any evacuation. It is easy for us civilians to leave, but these people will all have to stay. On another note, I will stay too, since I am essential staff. All in all everyone participating in the event was very professional.

In the meantime, nothing more to report really from the last weeks. The weather is getting warmer, sometimes already humid. Office wise same, same. I have to get the cameras out again, I am not doing much photo wise. My photos from the reception in Germany were all shot with the Olympus which was very efficient and I am quite happy with the performance. Also, to be honest, will I always be happy with the performance of any camera ?:) I am still waiting for "The Camera" and "that photo", but that is what keeps one going. Last night when going to the Phoenician restaurant in the old city of Tyre, I noticed a lot of improvements made in the infastructure of the christian quarter, roads repaired, houses painted, all looking very good in the low sun setting. The Al Fanar restaurant with it's deck right at the sea and the sun setting in the west over the water is a magical place. Let's hope the magic continues for a long time to come.

Guarding the landing site and the exercise venue. Thank God it was early morning and not yet hot and humid. Lot's of changes from the days when I was wearing uniform and doing similar things, albeit not in the same region and same climate. But then, it is still the same principle that is followed, just one is getting older and the soldiers are always the same young people as in my time. I just hope none of them will pay the ultimate price ever. Until the next time to all of you, Good Bye!