Departures: Libya Highlights
By Halogen TV | March 28, 2011 at 6:34 am
Photos by Scott Wilson
Scott Wilson, co-host of “Departures” shares his thoughts about season 2 in this blog series retrospective. Here are his highlights (and low-lights) from episode 2: Libya.
LIBYA – Wow! Not what I was expecting. In fact, the truth is, I had no idea what to expect. Despite everyone in Morocco telling us we were crazy to be going there, from start to finish, our trip was mind-blowing. Right on the coast and within a few hours drive of Tripoli (or gain some points with Libyans by referring to it as Tarabulis) is Leptis Magna, one of the best preserved and most impressive roman ruins outside of Rome (hell, even including Rome). These amazing ruins are almost totally deserted and you can easily spend a full day just getting lost in this city, of course ending at the stadium overlooking the Mediterranean.
Even spending time in Tarabulis was great. The medinas were fantastic and with no high-pressure sales people try to squeeze every last penny out of you. Instead, we were greeted with smiles and quiet patience as we looked through shops and onto Green Square. It has a unique North African feel that can only be Libya. Move south into the desert (not hard to miss, this is 90 percent of Libya) and get lost in the old desert oasis town of Ghadames.
If you have the time and proper guide/supplies, the best Libyan experience is to drive south deep into the Sahara in a 4×4 seeing the changing landscape as you go. By the time you get south and west of Sebha you finally get into the Ubari Sand Sea. Seemingly endless miles of rolling sand dunes disappear into the horizon in every direction. The only break in the beauty of this monotony is reaching the Ubari Lakes. These salty lakes are in the most improbable place make for some of the most amazing photos ever, get ready to load these as your new wallpaper on your PC.
Last but not least is the great experience of camping out for a few days in the real Sahara with the chance to run into some of the last remaining Touareg people who have lived nomadically in this area for hundreds of years.
BEST OF LIBYA – A truly unique travel experience, probably the kind every real traveller is looking for. A unique place with rich history, nature and warm welcoming people….and it seems all to your self.
WORST OF LIBYA - Leaving.
“Departures” airs Mondays at 8pm ET. See more photos, deleted scenes and more on the show page. Read part one of this series here.
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