Three Days In Libya
Jan 6, 2018, 7:33 pm
#31
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Denver CO
Programs: HHonors Gold, National Emerald Club, no airline affinity status
Posts: 3,349
Your trip reports are legendary. This is no exception. I loved the ruins the most. How much was it to employ Salem and Yousef to show you around? I assume you didn't bring your drone this time?
Jan 6, 2018, 8:47 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,790
First off, how do I get invited on these trips? 
Second, great TR as usual.
Third, why the flash of the EU passport at the beginning and the NZ as you're leaving? Do the various African authorities care that much between passports?
Second, great TR as usual.
Third, why the flash of the EU passport at the beginning and the NZ as you're leaving? Do the various African authorities care that much between passports?
Jan 6, 2018, 10:02 pm
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,301
Great report once again! This brings back some memories from my visit to Libya in 2004 (the "good old days"). Back then, there were hardly any tourists either; many people wanted to take pictures with me 
. The tourist visa cost "just" 90 euros. We did a circle trip through the country, visiting Ghadames (غدامس), Sabha (سبها), Ghat (غات), Sirte (سرت) and Banghazi ( بنغازي ). We tried to go to Tobruk (طبرق) as well, but unfortunately it was too far to visit in one day from Banghazi.
. The tourist visa cost "just" 90 euros. We did a circle trip through the country, visiting Ghadames (غدامس), Sabha (سبها), Ghat (غات), Sirte (سرت) and Banghazi ( بنغازي ). We tried to go to Tobruk (طبرق) as well, but unfortunately it was too far to visit in one day from Banghazi.
. Yes, I'm jealous of the people who managed to visit these countries before things went pear shaped. Ditto with Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan etc.Happy New Year to you DanielW from Washington DC where it is -13 C. A great report to read over a cup of coffee. Thanks for posting and thanks for incorporating the Wikipedia links. I know that takes a significant effort. I very much want to go to some of those, lets say 'discouraged', countries at some point, but I think my family would disown me!
. And I thought 16C here in the morning Dubai at the moment was cold! I tell my family about visits to more adventurous countries until after I get back, saves a bit of stress on their side.
Many thanks, Madone59
. It was definitely one of those trips where you are excited to start it but also thankful when it is over and all went ok.. I really wanted to visit Libya for a quite a while so was glad when I finally made it.Thanks, kalderlake
.. Yes, Iraq was a great trip too and got to see alot , from some of Saddam's old palaces to the Shia Shrines in Karbala and Najaf.
. Yes, it was great to have Leptis Magna almost to ourselves, much easier to take photo's too without other people in the way.Fantastic TR. Leptis Magna looks incredible. I know 5 others who went in 2017 and at that time, the guide said only about 20 tourists had visited Leptis Magna all year. I'm not sure if that was an exaggeration, but it wouldn't surprise me. Did you experience any hostility during your trip? I'm told reactions were "mixed" to the others. I've got quite a lot planned for the first half of 2018 but may well put Libya on the list for later in the year.
. Yes, with tourist visas technically no longer issued and govt travel advisories putting Libya firmly as 'off-limits', only a few adventurous travellers make it to Libya at the moment. We didn't get any real hostility. Our guides said that in the markets someone said "why are the foreigners here" in arabic, but nothing too serious. I think in Gaddafi times there was a lot of paranoia over foreigners, and they were 'plotting to steal Libya's resources', and that there is still a bit of this about.. Yes, so much history, both ancient and within the last few centuries, such a delight to see and explore.Cheers, lb8001
. I never expected the Roman ruins to be so extensive and well preserved. A really amazing experience.
Thanks, kcmd
. Yes, Leptis Magna was such a great place to wander about and take in.
Many thanks, londonfog
. Hopefully some more adventures in 2018 to come.Thank you, Spanish
. Yes, great to finally visit my last MENA country left to visit.Thanks, HawaiiTrvlr
. Our time in Libya cost $650 each, plus flights and visa. No drone, didn't want any grief at Tripoli airport or Tunis either.Many thanks, krazykanuck
. Haha! I actually recently joined a FB travel group, and some how found myself in Najaf, Iraq for New Years. Last time I travelled to Tunisia I needed my UK passport for the VOA, although I think NZ can get it now too.
Jan 7, 2018, 10:31 am
#41
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NCL
Programs: BAEC and Hilton mostly
Posts: 655
Great TR, DanielW - yet again!
Jan 7, 2018, 3:41 pm
#43
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: Flying Blue, Diamond Club
Posts: 782
The Oscar to the best TRs goes to..., as usual, DanielW.
I'm surprised that even after our (thankgod) ousted stupid president N. Sarkozy who decided to bomb Libya (and whose presidential rallies was funded by the ex-leader of this country) , they still keep the "French Street" name...
For anyone interested in art and "old stones", what a perfect report!
Thanks a ton!
I'm surprised that even after our (thankgod) ousted stupid president N. Sarkozy who decided to bomb Libya (and whose presidential rallies was funded by the ex-leader of this country) , they still keep the "French Street" name...
For anyone interested in art and "old stones", what a perfect report!
Thanks a ton!