These photos were taken during our visit to Libya in February, 2008. This was, of course, in the days of Colonel Ghaddafi and before the strife which since then has overcome Libya. At the time we visited, Ghaddafi's "presence" and his image was everywhere. But Libya was a pleasant, peaceful place to visit and we received nothing but friendliness from its citizens. Our tour of Libya began in Tripoli, the capital, and included visits to the sites of Roman and Greek cities along the Libyan coast, of which Sabratha and Leptis Magna are remarkable. We also ventured inland to the World Heritage listed village of Ghadames, which was a memorable experience. We finished our tour of Libya by visiting Tobruk, close to the Egyptian border. For Les, Tobruk has a special connection. In 1941 Les' uncle was in the Australian army, serving in the 2/4th field company of 9th Division, a part of the Allied force which halted the previously unstoppable Afrika Corps led by German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. The Allied force, primarily Australians and New Zealanders, were ordered to hold Tobruk and block any further advance by Rommel. This they did, as they lived through the hell of the subsequent eight month siege of Tobruk, withstanding everything that Rommel's forces could throw at them. To actually visit Tobruk, its War Cemetery, and other sites in the area was a special experience. Our guide for the duration of our stay in Libya, Muftah, was extremely knowledgable and helpful, and provided us with a wonderful introduction to his country. Many thanks Muftah! |
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