Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Hi Guys, I have an offer from the BC working on a project in Benghazi. I have looked through the past posts but not found anything new!

What is social life like in Benghazi? is it safe and are there places to go for nights out etc?

Also, what's gay life like? I know being gay is illegal but is there an underground scene etc?

Thanks

princessofquitealot · Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Posts: 38 Location: Malaysia

Elliot - Libya is a strict Muslim country and Benghazi is the second city (i.e. not the capital and not known for its night life). There are some English speaking expatriates there, but not many. I can't speak to the gay scene but I'm pretty sure it's VERY underground.

Generally, Benghazi is pretty safe, particularly compared to western cities of its size. In the evening as far as I know, a man can go out to a coffee bar, but I think that's about it.

Maybe someone has better information. I lived there for 2 years and had no social life to speak of.

PoQaL

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

Sounds like Saudi is more fun!

officeboy · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 26 Location: Libya

Yup, Benghazi is a very quiet place, Tripoli has the better expat social life, there are very few Benghazi Expat places as most are desert or Tripoli based.
If your after a "scene" then Tripoli in about 10 years but not at the moment.

Wildcats in the house · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 13 Location: Benghazi

We are in Benghazi at the moment and (although I arrived with a positive attitude bearing in mind the other posts on here and elsewhere said there was nothing to do here), in all reality there is very little in the way of social life here. Rolling Eyes

Hard searching for all the expats in Benghazi has led to about 15 people all told. There are a couple of crowded Libyan beaches near the town, attached to private clubs, maybe 4 good enough restaurants, and a couple of nice cafes. There isn't an English bookshop that I have found. I understand there are nice beaches out of town where the expats go, but I don't have a car and so haven't been there yet.

On the plus side, you will be working and the students are absolutely lovely - keen, polite, chatty and eager to help if you need assistance outside class. Very Happy

Also you can probably save quite a lot of your salary (such as it is!!) if you want. However, if you are looking for fun and a social life outside work, then this probably isn't for you!

If you want more info or you do arrive PM me and I will take you to the highspots out here!! Laughing