21 Ways Libya Changes You 25/08/2013 12:01:00 By Huda Biuk Readers who follow the column may know that the Bifocal has, throughout this past year, continued to address cultural, societal and sometimes political issues that have an impact on Libyan society. I have been open about my views and experiences, being a Libyan who is relatively new to Libya; and have always geared articles each 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. 1. Give directions the ‘Libyan’ way; identify specific streets by naming the nearest pharmacy or distinct graffiti inscriptions. 2. Drive offensively rather defensively. 3. Blame road rage on the heat. 4. 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. 5. Use the year you were born to answer inquiries about your age 6. Say the word “hashak” after mentioning fish, trash or the number five in conversation is etiquette, so as not to offend those listening. 7. Eat camel, as it is considered to be just another red meat option at the butcher shop. 8. Have tuna for breakfast or fried eggs as a midnight snack. 9. Learn the tricks of taking out the garbage; figuring out the least busy time of day and garbage deposit. 10. 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. 11. Sitting on the floor can be just as comfortable as a chair. 12. Prefer your cup of Nescafé rather than the average cup of coffee, even though your coffee machine is plugged in. 13. The middle of bread becomes known as the ‘fatty’ part of the bread. 14. Pizza is only a side dish, or can pass as a snack. 15. 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. 16. Clack your tongue to mean “yes” or to express agreement. 17. Appreciate every moment with electricity, and expect it to cut off at any time. 18. Smell something burning? Not to worry, it is only the neighbour burning a pile of waist. 19. Sounds like warzone all of a sudden? Well, that’s only the wedding at the end of the road. 20. Learn to value the difficulties of life in Libya because they are the same reasons that make Libya unique. 21. Finally, end every conversation with, “Allah ghalib”. Add to this list by commenting on this article. How has Libya changed your perspective or habits? Share it with the Bifocal.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 11:38:04 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015