RIGHT BYTES

 

 

The ‘season’ed traveller goes now Skip it, but only in the summers (June - September). October-May is relatively milder with more manageable climes . . .

‘Savour’ faire

Try couscous: easily the most popular Libyan dish; to be had with chicken, lamb or vegetables. Try Shay (tea), both red and green served hot or on the rocks; they like it really sweet with mint added for flavour.

Get to work

A must go is the ‘Pearl of the Desert’, the town of Ghadhames. Explore the walled city of Tripoli; visit the traditional mosques, souks (markets) and Khans (public houses). Do get to the Ubari Sand Sea, a stunning infinity of sand dunes with a host of lakes to cool off in. Of course, not to be missed, the Assai al-Hamra (Red Castle).

What’s the word?

Though Arabic is the official language, anybody who speaks either English or Italian will know his way around Libyan lanes. But, Ahlan wa sahlan (welcome) and shokran (thank you) will help you earn points and smiles from the locals.

Keepsake courtesies

No shopper’s paradise, but find some eye-catching traditional stuff like handicrafts, leather goods, oriental jewellery and traditional silk. Carpets and rugs of the flat-weave kilim style are a great buy too.