Sabrathah

I finished my meetings at 3, and decided to take a quick trip to the ancient city of Sabrathah. I had heard about it and it was recommended to see. I stopped a cab in Tripoli, and he said he is not able to go there, but he suggested to take me to the transport station where I can find a ride. Along the way he pointed a tourist bus dropping people at the old city and souk. I decided to pop in there on my way back.

I took a 7 passenger car, and at 4 it took off to Sabrathah. Some of the people who recommended going said it was a close as 20km and others put it at 70km. The later was more correct. The hour long drive was ok, but the places along the road seemed so plain, and lacked vibrant life. As I stepped out in Sabrathah, the driver pointed out a road to the historical site and said it’s a short walk. Since I never mind walking, I started down the road. Nothing was special about the road, and it took about 30mins to stroll down.

I came to the entrance, and although I am against capitalism and how it spoils beauty, I found myself disappointed. The was only two small kiosks, and really no life around the site. If this was in any other place you would have found industries revolving around this place. I walked in and asked for a ticket, since the museum was already closing I only got a pass for the ruins worth 3 Dinars. The gentleman at the ticket booth asked me if I had a camera, answering yes he asked me to purchase a ticket for the camera worth 5 Dinars. I thought, there must be someone from Egypt high up in the ministry of Tourism who suggested this crazy setup. I asked for a map, he said they had none, but I can find one at the kiosks outside. I bought the map and entered.

Sabrathah is a sight of Roman ruins. There was no information of any sort available to make my stay of any use. Afterall I come from Egypt, where this is probably a common sight. However, the seaside location was nice. As a matter of fact, there was a presidential cottage from the time of the king in the complex. I walked around took a few pictures and after almost 45mins was ready to head back out. I did feel sorry for the state of the place and how this resource is so badly kept and utilized (Despite my socialist ideologies). The irony here is that I read a slogan made by AlGadafi that if Libya puts focus on tourism it would be the best place on Earth, nice way to focus.

When I mentioned to Fadel the following day that I went Sabrathah, as well as his colleagues, they were impressed with how quick I got there. However, when I gave the indication that I was not really impressed, Fadel seemed to be offended. I tried my best to work on improving that, but coming from Egypt, I would probably find things older if I dig in front of the building I live in. It is like asking someone totally stuffed to taste some food, and be overly excited about it.

I took the ride back, and walked to the old city. The walls of the old city were relatively high in some places, and had several entrances. I opted not to improvise (that is even surprising to me) and walked all the way around to the side facing the sea. I walked into the small streets of the old city and found a lot of gold shops. I ended into the Green Square. Walking back into the market, it resembled somewhat Khan Elkhalili, but less crowded and with a little more space. I sat to a coffee shop in the old area and did some work to summarize my day. As night started to come I headed back to the hotel. I hired a cab and he took me back. The place was actually very close to the hotel, but as the saying goes "A stranger is blind even if he can see".