Welcome to Beirut

I know that this is not the most stunning image ever...I am posting it because I arrived in Beirut late last night / early this morning, and when I eventually ventured out into the big wide world this afternoon, I was greeted by people dotted along Hamra Street offering free hugs.
I went over to this guy to ask him if i could take his photo, and before I had even uttered my question I had received my free hug!
Quite the contrast to the images of Lebanon that we are used to in the mainstream media.