Autumn moved in on the Levant with great aplomb last week. No hesitation, no second thoughts. Just gusty winds and earth-shaking thunderstorms. So I thought I’d take a moment to celebrate the tail end of the summer sun just a couple of weeks ago.

Strictly speaking this was already autumn, but as it was warmer than most summers in my hometown, I can’t quite call it that.

Catnapping until the next catch comes in.

Off with the heavy boots and out with the magazine – these guys know how to let go of daily cares.

Although it only takes a few minutes to get to the Corniche from anywhere in Beirut, I’ve tagged this post “day trips“. You really could spend all day there, sharing the thrill of the tug on that hook, popping wheelies on a bike from the hire shop, and watching the broadest spectrum of diversity Lebanon has to offer.

There’s a great pastry shop opposite the Grand Café, Pâtisserie Ghazi Al Hallab & Fils, on the Raouche end, or you can get a slightly pricey lunch or dinner at Casablanca on the downtown end.