Traveling to LibyaArriving at the airport in Tripoli, I noticed that it was slightly less chaotic than the airport in Syria. I was quickly shown to my house by a man that met me at the airport. He explained to me that all houses were free of charge with courtesy from Gaddafi, the leader in Libya. The "house" I was to stay in was very small, yellow, with water dripping from the ceiling. I couldn't really complain though since housing was free of charge. One thing that made me nervous was that there was no lock to the door. I was given no keys and instead was informed that there was a bolt I could close from the inside. I wondered what I would do for a lock when I needed to leave the house... Trouble in "Paradise"Shortly after arriving, I left the house to explore my surroundings. When I came back to my "house," I noticed all my belongings were neatly packed up outside of the door to my house. I was very confused when I tried to enter and the door was locked from the inside. I pounded on the door, hoping for an explanation. An older woman answered the door and explained to me the rule with houses: citizens had the right to live in ANY unoccupied houses, including one with belongings in it. I wanted no trouble, so I grabbed my things and began searching for a new house to occupy. I quickly found an unoccupied house a few doors down (with no belongings in it because I was not comfortable with stealing someone's house). I knew I had to be more careful when leaving the house the next time. Libya's Lifestyles/EnvironmentThe man who met me at the airport and showed me to my house also gave me the "Little Green Book." This book was a novel written by Gaddafi and it explained his view of society and how one should act in a democracy. It was very interesting to read. Another thing that was free to all citizens was food. A few days a week men and women would line up on separate days to receive food rations. It wasn't much food, but again I could not complain because it was free. I thought it was odd that men and women went on separate days to get food and I later found out it was to avoid "indecent contact." On my last day in Libya, a few locals took me to see Leptis Magna, the ruins of a Roman City. The ruins were gorgeous and it was a very educational experience. It was also nice to spend time with some locals and learn some of Libya's history. Overall, it was a good trip but I would have to say that I enjoyed my time in Syria better.
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