Pleasure to help whenever I can SanDiego1K. Mind you, there is a lot to see and do in Lebanon, so I hope you give us some of your time as well. Might I suggest the following: get into Beirut, travel to/from Damascus by car. Then take a plane from Beirut to Amman, then on to Cairo (and Alexandria) and back to Beirut. That ticket should be for about USD750 on ME and RJ. Not sure if this is the best use of your time, but an option nevertheless. Look forward to meeting you too.