Top wonders of Libya: What we are missing out on

African truck loaded with people
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Unfortunately, Libya is one of these countries that when we spoke of, often it is not for anything good. Since March 2011, it has jumped to the front page of the global press as a result of the popular revolution and the subsequent conflict.

However, we are not going to talk about war or politics here. At a time when advisory bodies such as the British Foreign Office warn against all travel to Libya, we would like to have a look to the beauty of this land, hoping that its cultural heritage does not suffer the looting and destruction as happens too often under these circumstances.

Acacus Mountains
The Acacus Mountains are home to spectacular rock formations like the Fozzigaren Arch. They are one of the 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites listed in the country. Image by Duimdog


sahara
The Sahara has not always been a desert. Climate changed abruptly around 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. There are many rock paintings and carvings, depicting animals more characteristic of the savannah, like elephants and giraffes, which proves that it was once a fertile land. Image by Robbo-Man


Ubari lakes
The stunning Ubari lakes are considered to be some of the most beautiful oases in the world.
Image by 10 Ninjas Steve


Ubari Sand Sea
The Mandara lake, part of the Ubari Sand Sea.
Image by Desartica.com


Tatooine
This is an old granary in Nalut, although it could pass for the set of the planet Tatooine in Star Wars.
Image by Rafael


How to go to Ghadames
These granaries were fortified, to protect them in the past from looting and theft.
Image by Weesquirt


Ghadames
The desert-friendly old town of Ghadames, an oasis on the border with Tunisia. Ghadames was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986, helping to stop its decline and abandonment, but on the other hand, becoming a tourist destination. Image by Snotch


Ghadames street
Covered alleyways between houses offer a good shelter against the sweltering heat.
Image by Roberdan


Leptis Magna
Like many archeological sites, the majority of Leptis Magna has yet to be excavated. It is exciting to think of all the surprises waiting to be discovered, although if we take it too slow we will never find any.
Image by Sguà!


Treasures of Ancient Rome
Three out of five UNESCO's World Heritage sites in Libya are related to the Romans, Greeks and Byzantines. Pictured, the amphitheatre of Leptis Magna, that remains largely intact.
Image by 10 Ninjas Steve


Cyrene
Cyrene: Temple of Zeus, once larger than the Parthenon in Athens.
Image by Ancientview


Sabratha
The ancient city of Sabratha, only 50 miles outside of Tripoli.
Image by Duimdog


Apollonia
Columns holding back the sea in Apollonia.
Image by Sebastià Giralt

Jebel Uweinat
Somewhere in Jebel Uweinat Mountains, near Egypt. Notice the size of this natural stone obelisk compared to the explorers taking refuge in its shadow.
Image by fjexpeditions.com


Namus volcano
The remote Wau Namus Volcano, from inside the crater where shallow lakes are formed.
Image by fjexpeditions.com


Namus
The same volcano from the air. The dark area, in contrast with the desert sand, is formed from the materials ejected by its caldera. Image by Viva Nola

Old car wreck
An old wreck left by one of the expeditions that took place in the area during the Second World War.
Image by fjexpeditions.com




 

2 comments
  1. Wonder why you don't hear good things about Libya. It was an ideal country to live in before the West destroyed it. Read on:

    1. There was no electricity bill in Libya, electricity was free for all its citizens during Gaddafi’s reign.

    2. There was no interest on loans, banks in Libya were state-owned, and loans were given to all its citizens at 0% interest by law.
    A home was considered a human right in Libya – Gaddafi vowed that his parents would not get a house until everyone in Libya had a
    home. Gaddafi’s father had died while he, his wife, and his mother were still living in a tent during his reign.

    4. All newlyweds in Libya received $60,000 Dinar (US$ 50,000 ) from the government to buy their first apartment so to help start-up
    the family.

    5. Education and medical treatments were free in Libya. Before Gaddafi only 25% of Libyans are literate. During his reign, the figure was 83%.

    6. If Libyans want to take up a farming career, they received farm land, a farming house, equipment, seeds, and livestock to kick-start their farms – all for free.

    7. If Libyans couldn’t find the education or medical facilities they need in Libya, the government used funds for them to go abroad for it – not only free but they got US$2,300/mth accommodation and car allowance.

    8. In the Libyan Gaddafi reign, if a Libyan buys a car, the government subsidized 50% of the price.

    9. The price of petrol in Libya was $0.14 per liter in Gaddafi's time.

    10. Libya had no external debt and its reserves amounted to $150 billion – now frozen globally.

    11. If a Libyan was unable to get employment after graduation the state would pay the average salary of the profession as if he or she is employed until employment was found.

    12. A portion of the Libyan oil sale was credited directly to the bank accounts of all Libyan citizens.

    13. A mother who gave birth to a child received US$5,000

    14. 40 loaves of bread in Libya cost $ 0.15 during Gaddafi’s reign.

    And much more!

    ReplyDelete
  2. estás hablando de Libia o Disneyland???????????????????????????????????????

    ReplyDelete

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