Tripoli, Libya

[God's Own Drunk]

I'm traveling to Tripoli this month on a consulting gig. I'll be there for 3 weeks at a time with 1 week back home. The duration of the project should be 5 months.

Has anybody been to Libya that could shed some light on Tripoli? I'm not sure what to expect during my time there. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Hook'em!!!

 

[ryskey]

That's awesome. If you don't mind my asking, what line of work are you in?

I can't offer anything about Libya, but you should definitely head next door to Tunisia, work permitting. I had tentatively planned a trip to that part of the world, but never went.

 

[rice97ut02]

I remembered that there was an NYTimes article about travel to Libya a while back. Here it is:

Link

 

[God's Own Drunk]

ryskey,
I work as an airline consultant and will be part of a team doing a turnaround project with Afriqiyah Airways. I should have free time on the weekends and hopefully see Northern Africa (visa permitting). I've not heard of Tunisia as a destination spot. What's there to see/do in Tunisia?

rice97ut02,
Thanks for the link. The ban on alcohol won't be much fun for me.

 

[ryskey]

First off, it's a very Western-friendly country. It's more popular with Euros than Americans though. You don't even need a Visa. The main attraction is their beaches and resorts. But since I'm a big fan of classical history I want to see all the Roman, Phoenician, and Carthaginian ruins. And you can drink all the alcohol you want there. Plus, the border is only about 50 miles from Tripoli.

 

[God's Own Drunk]

Sounds like I'll have to spend a few weekends there.

 

[BigXIIHorns]

You should keep in mind that travel to Libya is not the same as travel to Europe. While I don't think it is very dangerous, you should be cautious.

In reply to:

---

---

 

[BigXIIHorns]

Also from the same link

In reply to:

---

---

 

[God's Own Drunk]

I'm trying not to get worried about the security issues there. I've had co-workers that have had projects in Bahrain, Yemen and Pakistan who just tell me to be cautious and aware of my surroundings. I'll spend most of the work week between Afriqiyah headquarters and the hotel. Luckily the hotel accepts Visa/Master Card but the "cash only" society is kind of a pain.

 

[kicksumass]

There is nothing to be worried about in bahrain. I don't think you can compare Bahrain to Libya. I was in Libya as a kid and I remember the beaches being beautiful. This was in the early 80s, so I'm not sure how things are now. I've heard they recently opened up many resorts.

 

[ViperHorn]

Don't expect much and you will be surprised. You should be able to find out where the Westerners hang-out, but do try to see some of the country. (Just don't rever to the airbase as Wheeles.)

However, watch out what is going on around you at all times, and assume all of your communications are being monitored.