I got back from one of my favorite places last week. While I’m reluctantly adjusted back to my life here in Atlanta, it was nice to recharge the creative batteries in such a colorful place.

ˆ Just to the left of the camera is a giant stage set up right over the water for the nightly concerts at the Byblos International Festival.

ˆ The Four Seasons (left) is one of the many lit up buildings on display along the newly developed Zaitunay Bay boardwalk. Cafés and restaurants line the promenade facing the bay with her collection of luxury yachts and cruisers. Although it was a balmy 34°C the night we were there, the outdoor seating areas were full and we had a steady stream of tourists and locals pass our table at St. Elmo’s late into the night.

ˆ Sunbathers at the Riviera Hotel beach lounge, facing the Mediterranean

ˆ There’s never a shortage of interesting things to look at in a Beirut traffic jam. I got a kick out of this guy’s truck, which was painted very patriotically with detailed cedar trees. It makes me curious. Did the truck driver paint it, or did he pay someone to do it? What does all that writing say? And who is JoJo?

ˆSomehow we managed to get into Skybar on a Saturday night with no reservation. Good luck, I guess It indeed puts most other nightclubs to shame.

ˆ I didn’t actually dine here, but on the way to le Relais de l’Entrecôte I passed this bistro and adored how they styled the restaurant name, on a whitewashed section of wall.