Nobody knows what to expect before visiting Libya for the first time. Having been a closed and mysterious country for decades the popular misconceptions are numerous. Including ideas of a Muslim country where women must move with caution and never alone, to the unfounded expectation of terrorism and violence on the streets. My own case was no different, so much so that I wasn’t even game to tell certain friends and relatives where I was headed. I was in for a surprise.

With a pre-organised visa, coming through Tripoli airport was as easy as any western country and I was welcomed into a dynamic city by an open, friendly and courteous population. The Libyans are a deeply religious people, a fact that seems to vibrate a calm and sacredness through the streets despite the hectic bustle and traffic of a capital city. Welcoming tourists into their country is a novelty and Libyans are eager to lend a helping hand whenever required with the hope that visitors will return, send their friends and the world can begin to understand what Libya is all about.

As for danger on the streets, even as a female, I have never felt safer in any other capital city. The Libyans have a culture of hospitality and more than once when expressing gratitude to a complete stranger for assistance, I was told it is every Libyan’s duty to welcome and serve visitors to their country. I learnt quickly that women, rather than being discriminated against by Libyan Muslims, are regarded with a respect that is often lacking in western countries.

Tripoli itself is a vibrant city of markets, restaurants and coffee shops open till late. Market shopping is a refreshing experience that lacks the usual haggling and hassles of other African and Asian countries. You could browse peacefully all day, not buy a thing and still be sent off with a gentle smile and blessing of goodwill.
  
  
 
     
  Outside of Tripoli await some real hidden treasures of an unknown Libya. The ancient Greek and Roman sites of Cyrenaica, Sabratha and Leptis Magna are amongst the best preserved of the ancient world thanks to centuries of being buried and protected by the desert sand. To visit these spectacular coastal sites is a true experience of stepping into the cities of these ancient civilisations. For a country that appears to lack organization and supportive infrastructure, I was amazed by the knowledge, eloquence and passion of local tour guides on these sites.

Venturing further south into the African continent, I was awe struck by the spirit and magic of the Sahara. People ask me, “what’s there to it other than just sand?” There’s much to see and discover, as the secrets this desert has to reveal seem endless. You can expect to find traditional Berber villages and Toureg communities on the edge of the desert, towering sand dunes, salty desert lakes and ever changing landscapes hiding prehistoric rock art. Underlying all of this is the divine energy of an ancient place where the presence of everything else in the world can’t be felt. The Sahara has many different faces, some barren and infertile, others vibrating with power, all of it promising unexpected adventures and exquisite moments; a life experience not to be missed.