the first rain in months today. Heavy rain it was for 45 minutes, totally unexpected and early. Normally, if lucky the first rains come in September, just light showers but today could be compared with a monsoon downpour in South Asia. Of course after the air was hot and humid, but it did have a cleansing effect. This was about the most exciting today and at least gave raise to take some photos. Hopefully autum is not far away anymore, kind of around the corner. Nothing else new. Taking my camera to the office every day just in case something happens. Office is the same every day.

Cattle Egret already on the way to Africa, flying along the Lebanese coast south, caught up with the first rains storm of the season. Seconds after this image, a strong wind blew him of course and nearly pushed him to the ground. Some storm for the 30 August in Lebanon.

Last weekend was horrible with regard to the electric situation. An escape to Beirut was needed with a treatment in the Hotel. At least Beirut offers some entertainment it is not so completely dull and boring as Tyre. Still it was warm and humid, for most of the time to unconfortable to be running around outside. Then there is the Hotel pool and the basement bar with beer from the tap:)) Now that is entertainment. Some photos from the modern Beirut Souk and my favourite place, Hamra. I am waiting for a bit cooler and dryer weather to engage more in photography.

Beirut Souks at night just before closing. This year there are not many tourists around, no surprise with the situation in the country politically being on the edge, kidnappings of foreigners lately and the catastrophic (really) situation with regard to electricty.

The garden of the Franziskan Church in Hamra on a Sunday morning. This church is visited by many foreigners from all over the world and is a little oasis of green and tranquility in the otherwise concrete desert of Hamra.