Huda Abdelmajid
Being a Libyan who is relatively new to Libya; I have always geared articles week to speak to both average Libyans, as well as Libyans who lived abroad
This week, I thought it would be interesting to use my experience of adapting to life in Libya, as well as the experiences of others in an interesting and corky article that highlights, “21 Ways Libya Changes You,” or areas where your perspective shifts to resemble that of the general public
Please bear in mind that expatriates in Libya will have a different experience than mine. The reality of being expected to adapt in this culture, given my origin, has had an effect on my experience, sometimes without my realising
After living in Libya long enough, these are some things you may find yourself doing:
Give directions the ‘Libyan’ way; identify specific streets by naming the nearest pharmacy or distinct graffiti inscriptions
Drive offensively rather defensively
Blame road rage on the heat
Greet females while abiding by common etiquette. Kissing four times, twice on either cheek; or pile them all on one cheek if greeting an elderly woman
Use the year you were born to answer inquiries about your age
Say the word “hashak” after mentioning fish, trash or the number five in conversation is etiquette, so as not to offend those listening
Eat camel, as it is considered to be just another red meat option at the butcher shop
Have tuna for breakfast or fried eggs as a midnight snack
Learn the tricks of taking out the garbage; figuring out the least busy time of day and garbage deposit
Refer to the carbonated drink, Seven-up as simply “Seven” first so that waiters understand your order but soon because it flows better within an Arabic sentence
Sitting on the floor can be just as comfortable as a chair
Prefer your cup of Nescafé rather than the average cup of coffee, even though your coffee machine is plugged in
The middle of bread becomes known as the ‘fatty’ part of the bread
Pizza is only a side dish, or can pass as a snack
While you may experience the daily challenges of being a woman in Libya, you can also appreciate the perks, like not having to get out of your car to fill up your gas tank and jumping to the front of a line
Clack your tongue to mean “yes” or to express agreement
Appreciate every moment with electricity, and expect it to cut off at any time
Smell something burning? Not to worry, it is only the neighbor burning a pile of waist
Sounds like war zone all of a sudden? Well, that’s only the wedding at the end of the road
Learn to value the difficulties of life in Libya because they are the same reasons that make Libya unique
Finally, end every conversation with, “Allah ghalib”
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Previously published by Tripoli Post on 25 August 2013.
