Libya Improving

by Neil Woodburn on

Libya used to be right up there next to North Korea and the Soviet Union when it came to suspect countries a westerner should never visit. Two years ago the American government removed the country from its embargo list and basically opened the door for tourism.

The mad rush of eager American visitors never really materialized, however. Perhaps the fact that slightly crazy Muammar el-Qaddafi is still the leader has something to do with it.

Nonetheless, a few brave souls are making their way to this North African nation and its historic capital of Tripoli. Kevin Gray of the New York Times recently visited the surprisingly western town and marveled at its fine hotels, Mediterranean seaside, friendly people, bustling fishmongers, and anachronistic character. Due to 24 years of economic sanctions, Tripoli is still very antiquated and is indeed considered the “Havana of the Arab world.”

Oh, if you’re looking for nightlife, this may not be the place for you. The whole country is dry; alcohol is completely forbidden.

Diving in Libya

by Scott Carmichael on

The fine folks over at Divester have a rather cool posting that caught my eye even though I don’t dive.  Libya, it appears, is about to become the next hot diving destination.

Thanks to the State Department dropping Qaddafi’s homeland off the state-sponsored terrorist list, American citizens can now venture into Libya’s uncharted waters, literally!  The country boasts 1250 miles of coastline that is apparently teaming with underwater wrecks, ruins and Nazi gold. 

Pop on over to Divester to check it out.  I’ll be looking topside myself to see what the old terra firma has offer.

Tripoli International Fair

by Adrienne Wilson on

When I think about the
word ‘fair’ images of pig racing competitions, hay stacks, funnel cakes, shaky half-constructed Ferris wheels,
baby strollers and big hair all seem to flood my mind. Every year I’ve ever been to a fair be it here in Florida or out
west in California there’s always big hair, but then again I don’t stick around too long. I go in, get my days worth of
the most greasiest and most sugar coated eats and get out. Enough about the less than fab fairs I’ve been to here in the
states, I’d like to now direct your attention to the Tripoli
International Fair in Libya.

Why? Well for the few lucky ones anywhere near or around Tripoli April 6-12, 2006 I’m certain you’ll want to check the
event out. The fair is an international, industrial, agricultural and commercial event with about 30 countries in
attendance. Of cultural interest there are many festivals tucked within the one huge event, many which include Libyan
folklore bands and bands from all over for world music lovers. I haven’t a clue about the entire line-up of shows, but
if you really find yourself in the country during this time be sure to check out Luna Angel (a highly talented reggae artist out of Oakland).

And a fair wouldn’t be a fair without a lil’ something for the kiddies so if you’re traveling with children count on
the ‘funfair’ to keep them entertained. (I know funfair sounds rather vague, but that’s all they’re giving me
on this site.) Overall Libya and ‘fair’ just seem too incredibly
cool for any traveler to miss.

Eclipse in Libya

by Erik Olsen on

Haven’t you heard? Tomorrow at some point in the day, the entire sun will be blocked out, possibly sending
all of humanity into darkness and killing off life everywhere. OK, it won’t be so bad. It’s just an
eclipse, and to be honest, you won’t even be able to see it.

Bu who will? Well, it turns out that
thousands of people are
heading to Libya for a kind of solar eclipse party where many will, no doubt, strip off all their clothes and
virgins will be tossed into volcanoes and what not.
 
Libya had issued visas to 7,000 tourists from 53
countries, most of them from the US, including a bunch of NASA folks who just can’t get enough staring into the
sun. Me? I’d go tomorrow, if just to see al those naked worshippers.

Africa Travel: Libya

by Adrienne Wilson on

Travel talk on Libya appeared to be in full-swing again as early as late 2004 where the country was re-emerging as travel hot spot for the bold, daring, and forgiving adventurers who look past the not-so-welcoming and ugly past. Erik mentioned it sometime ago by pointing us to this NY Times piece from Peter Wilkinson. Libya is situated in Northern Africa off the Mediterranean Sea between Egypt and Tunisia. Since the country is still coming around in the hospitality biz (especially for Americans) I figured I’d use this post as an update to see where things lay now. It is a place known for incredible desert architecture and archeological sites found in Ghadames, Leptis Magna, and Cyrene (a UNESCO World Heritage landmark). This Libyan Travel and Tourism page also offers some interesting sites to soak in if  the country happens to be your next destination of choice, but in terms of  entry and Visa related issues, travelers have been experiencing some rather lenghty delays in obtaining them according to this Travel Weekly piece and the State Department. Plan far in advance for this one. In the meantime check out this awesome slideshow from the NY Times.