Just for a break, heres a article from a Lebanese news site that shows that there are normal happenings in Middle East countries, just as we have them.
Here the city of Sidon is proud that they finally got their sewage problem straightened away, giving them unpolluted water to swim in, yes they swim in the ocean, here it is the Mediterranean, not bad. How many readers here have swam in the Mediterranean Sea?
me only two hands raised? You all should get out and travel more me thinks.
They are bringing in new fresh sand for their beach...moved some cafes down the beach..in other words, just do what other folk do...city councils just like here, have problems, solve problems..try to have a good time.
Actually with the civil war they had and the disruptions, it is nice that they have recovered so well, and yes they have political troubles there, Hezballah..new government still trying to form, seems it might finally be formed, hopefully it can stay peaceful.
Remarkable.
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www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2011/Jun-04/Coming-this-summer-A-pristine-beach-and-sewage-free-sea-in-Sidon.ashx#axzz1OHHLRpOw------------------------------------------------
News
Coming this summer: A pristine beach and sewage-free sea in Sidon
June 04, 2011 02:04 AM
By Mohammed Zaatari
The Daily Star
SIDON, Lebanon: Like its sister Phoenician cities of Tyre and Jbeil, Sidon has been able to boast of a rarity in Lebanon: a public beach.
But for summer 2011, the municipality is making an all-out effort to be able to boast a coastline clean enough, and fun enough to attract huge crowds.
The municipality’s preparations for a new look at Qamla beach are in full swing, after Sidon officials tackled the biggest problem, namely closing a number of sewage pipes that have been pumping unfiltered sewage into the sea.
Another key part of the effort has seen the municipality bring in vast amounts of new sand to “re-coat” the shoreline, which lies to the north of the Maritime Citadel and port area, meaning that around 19,000 square meters of sandy beach will now be available for summertime activities.
While people have traditionally used the area for swimming, more recently the polluted water kept many people away or limited their experience to lying on the sand.
In addition, the long stretch of seaside corniche is being revamped yet again, as sidewalk cafes are being removed and relocated further south, including south of the Maritime Citadel.
The municipality is hoping that by offering free-of-charge wicker tents to patrons in a cleaner setting, equipped with bathroom facilities and changing areas, even more people will take advantage of the public beach.
“We’re nearly ready for an official opening,” said Kamel Kezber, a member of the municipal council.
“The this year’s swimming season will be notable for the fact that the coastline has become free of the untreated sewage water that used to flow into the sea,” he added.
In addition, the municipality is working with local scouting and other organizations to ensure that the beach hosts a variety of sports and water sports competitions, with a focus on children’s activities.
Mustafa Habli, an environmental activist and an official with the Future Scouts organization, said that Qamla beach will be the center of activities such as volleyball, canoeing, kayaking and sailing.
The ambitious plans include the staging of swimming races from the tiny, rock island one kilometer off the coast, known popularly as “Al-Ziri,” to Qamla beach.
The island has traditionally served as a magnet for swimmers who want to avoid the polluted coastline, and is served by small launches that operate from near the Citadel.
Phoenician cities were notable for being established on the coast facing just such small islands.
If the plans for summer 2011 go well, the Sidon beach could become another attraction for the “Phoenician” city. However, much of its success will depend on ensuring that the environmental problems of the past do not return"
For anyone interested.
www.middleeast.com/sidon.htm 
