I think the mods might forgive us for a bit of nostalgic thread drift. Your pix really bring back memories for me - thanks!
I was as a pre-teen and remain now a largely aquatic creature as do my kids (we have a pool). I love to swim, and for a livre or so you could get a taxi out to South Beirut (hah! try that these days!) and beaches all to yourselves, with ice creams and cold drinks for a few piastres.