Hello all,

Been offered an excellent package for a job in Benghazi, Libya. I am just worried that the package is good due to it being for want of better words - a dump.

I have no idea what Libya is like apart from what I see on the news, I've lived and travelled all over the Middle East, but as I said I am clueless about what it would be like to live there.

Are there any Expats in Benghazi? Is their a social scene? Will I ever be able to get my hands on a beer (I realise it is illegal ther, but surely there's a way)? Are there sports clubs, gyms etc.?

Please someone respond before I sign my self away to years of being a sober bachelor.

All the best.

Yes Benghazi is a dump - no restaurants, no sports clubs. You need to get in with the small expat community - mainly eastern Europeans and get out to the beach at weekends. You will need a brew kit otherwise you will be sponging beverage off others. There is a small group running a hash every two weeks (more drinking than running).

There are new projects and developments starting and the expat community should be expanding.

Hi I'm a mature woman soon moving to Tripoli, Libya. Going to be working for the BC.
Would the same reaction apply to Tripoli or am I going to do better?

Tripoli is very different from Benghazi.

What is the BC ?

Sorry English teacher Jargon for the British Council.
Hope I'm not barred from posting because I was silly enough to use teacher Jargon

Tripoli is attempting to recover from 25 years of neglect in infrastructure investment and institutional development. The rapid expansion in investment is mainly chaotic with poor planning which all adds to the experience. Providing you take things as they come there is no reason for you not to enjoy living and working in Tripoli.

Hi Stefin,
My husband worked in Libya for nine years, he enjoyed his time there. He was a surveyor on the Great Man Made River project, some of his work was in Benghazi. You have already worked in the Middle East, which gives you a head start. There are frustrations, like waiting for visas etc, it depends if you are prepared to get on with your fellow men and accept that alcohol is not available, yes, some people brew illicit liquor but there were people caught out and deported. One thing you are lucky in that you don`t have to fly to Tunis, Cairo or Malta and then go overland, you can fly direct to Libya. You might enjoy it! I`m not sure about the expatriates in Benghazi.
Pat.

Hi

I'm currently living in Tripoli and love it here. The ex-pat community is great and very helpful to new comers. A great way to meet people is through the British & Commonwealth wags and girlfriends (BC WAGS) group. They have new comers coffee morning every month and a catch up coffee morning every month also, as well as arranging outings. See www.bswags.net

As a BC employee you are able to use the embassy club house, one of the few places where you can have a good time.

If you need more info, just let me know.