Discover Khaddafi Country!
Intrepid LA Times travel reporter Susan Spano wrote a huge two-pager, "The curtains part, revealing wonders," on the joys of vacationing in Libya. She did add a caveat:
There's nothing easy about visiting Libya, especially for Americans. A U.S. State Department warning, citing the country's sponsorship of terrorism, remains in effect, and tourist services are unsophisticated. Except for the new Corinthia Bab Africa Hotel in Tripoli, accommodations are rudimentary. At tourist sites, printed information is scant, and guides speak halting English. Changing dollars for Libyan dinars is an ordeal; credit cards are rarely accepted; alcohol is banned, in adherence to Muslim law. And just try to get a visa.
She was kind enough to add a helpful link to the State Department warning against traveling to the Middle East at the end of her piece:
This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of anti-American violence and terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa....On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates around the world is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible.
She did not include the one specifically on Libya. Probably because of stuff in it like this:
While Libya has taken steps to cooperate in the global war on terrorism, the Libyan Government remains on the U.S. Government's State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Although Libya appears to have curtailed its support for international terrorism, it may maintain residual contacts with some of its former terrorist clients.Recent worldwide terrorist alerts have stated that extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, any American citizen that decides to travel to Libya (Amy says: is a moron!) should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and varying times and routes for all required travel. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
Oh yeah, and then there's this bit in there from the U.S. Treasury Department, on the U.S. sanctions against Libya:
...On February 26, 2004, OFAC issued a general license for transactions related to travel to, from, and within Libya and residence in Libya. The general license ñ authorizes the purchase of airline tickets, hotel room, etc. However, certain restrictions on payments will continue to apply to these transactions, for example: while there are no restrictions on how payment may be made to travel service providers in the U.S. for any travel-related expenses, the use in Libya of credit cards and checks drawn on U.S. banks remains prohibited. Travelers should be prepared to engage in cash-only transactions while in Libya. (Amy says: especially when negotiating ransom demands with kidnappers.)
What a charming place to travel! What's next from our friends at the LA Times? "Get Beheaded In Baghdad?" Or maybe "Osama Country: Your .04-Star Terrorist-Packed Cave Awaits!"
UPDATE: You might want to check out this article, "Attackers Hunted Westerners," from May 31/CNN.com, before you start packing your bags.
I Left My Heart in... Libya
(along with a few other mangled body parts)
Lena at May 27, 2004 7:15 AM
Libya could take a page from the "Virginia Is For Lovers" example and adapt a snappy slogan of their own. Perhaps "Libya Is For Looneys."
A Fly on the Wall at May 27, 2004 10:11 AM
My friends from Canada and Scandanavia visit places like this often, and never have a qualm about going there. My friend Sharon is a 65yo grandmother with plastic hips and just got back from a riding trip through the steppes of Mongolia- she liked it there so much she brought herself back a yurt (which is like a tent/house) and found the people to be the most charming and hospitable she has ever met. He photos rival anything in National Geographic! That's balls, at 65!
Maybe we as Americans have become even more paranoid to travel? Maybe the paranoia is justified, especially now in Muslim countries?
I agree that Libya probably isn't an ideal vacation for Americans right now, but after reading this travel article, I am interested to see it. To tell the truth, I liked her article. My idea of vacation is roughing it though, if it takes you to see something you will never see in your everyday life.
Do you have any of your articles about your travels available Amy? Your loyal readers would like to see them...
eric at May 27, 2004 3:40 PM
"Maybe we as Americans have become even more paranoid to travel?"
Remember the words of William Burroughs: "Paranoia is having all the facts."
Lena at May 27, 2004 7:55 PM
Are you certain that was "some guy" named William Burroughs and not the voices in your head?
eric at May 28, 2004 8:53 AM