Social Life in Libya

Don't expect much in terms of a thriving social life in Libya.

The country follows Sharia law, so no fun & games (including booze) in public at least. Contraband booze is seriously expensive (120-150D for a litre of Absolut), so make plans to bring lots of tins of malt concentrate for making beer. I've just done a batch of 9% abv barley wine which is as good as Special Brew.

There are no cinemas, clubs, pubs, casinos, 1 reasonable shopping mall and a load of souks.

If you like old ruins and lots of sand, you're laughing.

My fave pastime so far is watching the boy racers pulling wheelies and donuts in the middle of Gargaresh Road most Thursday afternoons. The biker boys don't wear protective gear (inc helmets) and casualties are common. Never managed to snap a dead 'un yet though.

Thanks Sandman6.  Looks like i better stock up on books, dvd's and get satellite.  Do you know if there are any expat meeting groups that occur?

Thanks once again.

Hi, I've been here 10 weeks now and there are a few 'in crowds' but you have to join the groups and the Hash and put yourself about a bit.

Sandman's right tho', best fun is watching the looney driving on a Thursday night by the arches.  This is what no drink does to you.  Ironic that 'alcohol' (the word) is Arabic, how can you invent a word and ban the product?

Not missing it that much but difficult when you miss your friends and family and not much to compensate.  Still early days and gonna give it a good go.

All the people I've met so far have been sweet.

Sorry, not much help.

Enjela - like bonjela, but with an En...

Like Angel said, its about meeting people and joining in with as much as possible.  I've noticed there's a bit of a trend of people having contacts for various things and then being all cagey when asked to share them.. Don't quite understand that, as I generally feel that we could make life a lot more enjoyable for ourselves if we all stick together! 

Anyone else agree?

That is sad to hear. As far as I am concerned that is against the expat ethos. Ultimatly we are all in it together and should help each other out when we can. Perhaps this is why the forums related to Libya are so silent?

It's worse for the wives...from what Mrs Sand has found, it's all about "how important is your husband". Sad indeed.

Fortunately we are adept at making our own entertainment...

Yes, I agree and have heard the same.

I'm out here on my own working and it's pretty difficult integrating and just going by myself for a walk can be a challenge.

I'm sure there are ways to make life here more enjoyable ..... just got to find them.  It's been around 10 weeks now so still discovering the joys of Tripoli! 

Here's a copy of an email I was sent regarding stuff to do

A quick summary of social activities in TIP

Caledonian Society – has about 5 or 6 functions a year

Venue: Someone' home or the Oasis (British Embassy)

Email: [email protected]

St George's Society - has about 4 functions a year

Venue: the Oasis

Email: [email protected]

The Hash - a fortnightly run on a Friday - although many people just walk, followed by drinks (bring your own) and food

Venue: A different home for each run – maps are sent out in advance.

Email: [email protected]

Sunday night quiz - about 20+ people, 6 quiz rounds and there is food and drinks (bring your own) before you start

Venue: Skanska Camp (1st Engineering off  Gargharish Road) 15LYD to get in which includes food. (Soup/salad/fish/chicken kebabs/lasagne or another main dish) 5ld for the quiz

Archeological Society - lots of trips, ranging from 1 to 3 days (mostly one day trips on a Friday)

Venue: Depends on the outing-finishes in June of each year and begins in September (as too hot otherwise!)

Email: [email protected]

BC Wags – outings geared towards wives, mostly takes place during the day

Venue: Depends on the event

Email: [email protected]


There is also a darts league and remote control car racing, as well as a theatre group.

)  Thanks for sharing ..... I've done the Hash .... watch out for those ostrich!

Heard about the Oasis Club but sounds difficult to get on one of the special 'lists'.  I thought it was open to Brit expats but seems not.

Anyone know of an open list or someone willing to invite?

Back to the cliquey list AngelJay....you have to be invited by someone from the embassy before they'll let you in the Oasis. Fcuking shame coz the place is awash with alcohol and it's only 5 mins down the road from where I stay

Related discussion:

Where to go/What to do tips  http://www.expat-blog.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=26133


What do you do on Fridays? https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=33252


how to meet people? https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=40117

Flipfinger,

The archeology club email address seems to not be working.

Could you post an update or phone please.

Or if anyone is in the club, could you pm me please?

Hi, here is the email address I think you are asking for?

[email protected]

Hope this helps.

Thank you so much 008Angel Jay.

it did not bounce this time, should go through to the recipients.

I may be late to add to this thread but it seems to have been going on for ever so here goes:

There is a growth informal network of bird watchers in Libya - both expats and locals.

We usually go out on Fridays for day trips and occasionally we go on longer filed trips.

Here are two contact emails:

[email protected]  if you are near Benghazi
[email protected]  if you are near Tripoli

We welcome any one - beginner or expert who wants to bird (and will contribute to the cost of a driver or have a car)

Some of our sightingss are on birdingforalark.blogspot.com]www.birdingforalark.blogspot.com . Its already listed among the Libyan blogs

Try birding - there is more to life than pubs and restaurants

BirdingRob wrote:

Try birding - there is more to life than pubs and restaurants

Is that like dogging ?

Mudman wrote:

BirdingRob wrote:

Try birding - there is more to life than pubs and restaurants

Is that like dogging ?

No their isn't.

And I can guarantee it is not as interesting mate.

Mudman wrote:

Is that like dogging ?

I had to look it up.

Here's to another corner of my withering innocence darkened by the mutterings of Evil.

Clansman wrote:

BirdingRob wrote:

Try birding - there is more to life than pubs and restaurants

No their isn't.

Leave the man alone.

I truly admire his work. Birding takes more patience than running a marathon, I suspect.

If you want to train your patience try train watching in Libya:)

We have a bird at home. we watch it fly inside the house. He likes mirrors.

Bird watching needs a lot of patience. I show that a lot at work. Personally I'd like a more active hobby.

I pretty unimpressed by the jokes about bird watching:)

The Brits on this forum please just remember the RSPB is Britain's second biggest membership organisation after the National Trust. It over one million members.

I put it to you, who has a life in Libya?

I do and I don't complain there is nothing to do:D