New to it all, long question ...

just in case, friday is a day off.

Thanks, yes I'm aware of that, my flight leaves Friday lunchtime so that's why I ask, I have 1.5days on the ground to do & see as much as I can; as well as a variety of meetings.

AAAfrica wrote:

Can anyone tell me what the big round things are that I can see on google earth?  Sewage plants?  I hope not!  Is there 'life' down this way?  Are prices cheaper/more expensive this way out?  I'm hoping to find something that I can turn into offices & have accomodation with it on a rental basis.  Any pointers I'd be grateful for!

These are oil storage tanks.

Why don't you look at some of the properties in the Janzour & Saraj areas - there are some very big villas available which can easily double up as office & accommodation.

AAAfrica,

The only thing I know about business in Libya is that you need a big dose of patience. With that, all will be ok (Insha'Allah!)

I don't know how many tasks you're hoping to achieve in 1.5 days, but you may be aware (and should be made aware if not) that people here are not respecters of time! Having lived in the region for nearly 7 years, I learnt to lower my sights with regards to how much I hope to achieve in any one day! People can and will be late for meetings, there may be many interruptions so a 1 hour meeting can take 2/3 hours and then you may be asked to "come back", also traffic in Tripoli these days is a nightmare! In my office we've taken to discussing it like the Brits discuss the weather (the men flex their muscles with stories of who took the longest time to get from Souk al Talat to Hai Al Andalus area ).

I don't know of any discrimination.. "Black" Libyans seem to be a lot more integrated here than say in Egypt. Of course as with most 3rd world countries lighter is best, but I see many darker skinned people in high level positions, so it can't be that bad. Her gender will be the bigger obstacle.

A couple of weeks back, I heard about a villa available for rent in the Ghot Al Shael area (close to Al Waha bank). I was told: 3 stories, 15 rooms, 6 bathrooms, 6 kitchens, room for gate keeper, 8 cars parking and 2 entrances. I can check if it's still available if you need.

Thanks for the replies.

I've been trying to see on my google map the areas you mention & have seen a lot of properties in the Janoz area but not found it on the map.

I wouldn't mind being out towards the airport, if it brings down costs at least to start with.  What is that area between those two roads I mentioned like? 

These are all things I'm going to have to see for myself too when I'm over.  I'm also female so this is quite a big step taking on Libyan business culture but my partners have been very receptive.

Hello there,

Lot's of luck and courage for your project !!!

Check this website for housing deals
daleal.com

You coudl find nice villas in Airport road, however it lacks shops and other commodities around.
Janzour and Sarraj areas are very convenient for shared residential and office accomodation because of the multiple storeys villas, and the various commodities you can find.

Here are the GPS coordinates of the begining of this area:
32°50'36.01"N
13° 3'46.31"E

In addition, I would advise you to stay longer than 1.5 days if you really want to sort out things in one visit. As mentioned in previous posts, the local notion of time is very extensible ;-)

Again, best of sucess for your project !

Joe