Blogs from Tripoli, Libya, Africa

The chances of dying in a road crash in Africa are 26.6 out of 100,000—the highest in the world. Next on the list are Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific countries, with respective fatality rates of 19.9 and 17.3. Avoid these two countries: For every 100,000 people in Libya , there are an estimated 73.4 road traffic deaths. The next most dangerous country was Liberia, with a death rate of 33.7. And I thought South Africa, home of Barry the V was dangerous? With information from 180 countries around the world, WHO determined that low-income countries have the highest rate of road traffic fatalities. About 90 percent of all road deaths occur in these low-income countries, even though they only have about half of the world’s vehicles. Western Europe has the safest roads. In the U.S., the ... read more

In 1974 Villa Silin was discovered on the Libyan coast between Tripoli and Leptic Magna. It had been buried under sand dunes for centuries preserving its treasures from thieves and tourists alike. It's not an easy place to visit. Luckily we had a guide who met us at Leptis and was able to direct our driver along the torturous roads to get there. Without him we wouldn't have had a chance. Unfortunately the building itself remains locked up and out of reach until new funding is found to bring back the archaeologists. It's a shame but we really enjoyed what we saw. The rain that day worked in our favour. It cleaned the spectacular outside mosaics and they were very easy to see. They might not be the most colourful mosaics in the world but they ... read more

"You want adventure? Libya is the real one" advised our fixer Masoud with a big smile. He was helping us complete the various formalities at the border, while at the same time giving us our first insight into life in post-revolution Libya. The clear message that came across was that there was real excitement about the potential that a Gaddafi-free Libya held for the people, but also frustration at how slow progress was. As a far as safety was concerned, he felt that the main issues were between Libyans (different provinces / militias), and as tourists we would be welcomed. And welcomed we were. At the outskirts of Tripoli we were met by half a dozen guys on Harley Davidsons, and escorted into town as the sun set. It was the start of a week of ... read more

Hi all - we are still in Tripoli, and we've started a new blog site. Please check out the new post at: http://wander-wege.blogspot.com Sign up as a follower to continue to receive future posts, or contact either of us by email. In addition, Bob's been posting things quite a bit on his facebook page. Feel free to check that out as well (Robertus van der Wege). Happy wanderings!... read more

So here I am in Libya! It's certainly different to anywhere else I've been but also strangely familiar. In appearance I would compare it to some of the Gulf capitals although obviously not Dubai. Possibly more like Abu Dhabi or Muscat 10 years ago. That's not much help if you've not visited either of those is it? OK, mostly low rise, some concrete blocks of apartments, lots of mad traffic. All the cars are Japanese and fairly beaten up. There is an old market right in the centre which has been partly renovated and in any other Middle Eastern capital would be thronged with tourists. Here it was more common to be the only western face in the crowd. The tradesmen are not pushy at all, in fact the exact opposite of next door neighbour Egypt. ... read more