Tripoli, Libya
On our fourth day in Libya, we docked early at Tripoli, the capital and by far the largest city in the country. The day began with a visit to the fish market located near the port entrance. For many of us, this was the highlight of the entire day as nearly three-quarters of the guest compliment of the National Geographic Endeavour signed up for this optional excursion. The market was a noisy and bustling complex of tents and open stalls with crates and tables covered with a surprising variety of beautifully presented freshly caught fish. The choices available included many kinds of rockfish and perch, as well as both edible eels (Anguilla) and moray eels, very small swordfish, scabbard fish, small sole, and large numbers of calamari, octopus and cuttlefish. The variety and number were surprising because the eastern Mediterranean is one of the least biologically productive areas of the world ocean, due to the extremely low nutrient levels in the water. This poor condition is due to the almost complete lack of rivers to bring nutrients to the Sea. While naturally, the Nile was the major source of nutrients, the construction of the Aswan High Dam caused them to be sequestered in Lake Nasser instead of flowing into the ocean. Still, even in its natural state the Mediterranean was never very productive. Clearly, the local fishermen are taking nearly everything that swims in the Gulf of Sirte where they do most of their fishing.
After the fish market, we toured the city and the National Museum. We then visited the souqs in the medina where a frenzy of business was underway in preparation for the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan in two days. After lunch aboard, we drove west along the coast to the Roman city of Sabratha with its wonderfully preserved theater and city buildings. It was a long and exciting day and as the red ball of the sun set behind Tripoli, we returned to the ship to try to sort out all the many experiences we have had during our very full days in Libya.
On our fourth day in Libya, we docked early at Tripoli, the capital and by far the largest city in the country. The day began with a visit to the fish market located near the port entrance. For many of us, this was the highlight of the entire day as nearly three-quarters of the guest compliment of the National Geographic Endeavour signed up for this optional excursion. The market was a noisy and bustling complex of tents and open stalls with crates and tables covered with a surprising variety of beautifully presented freshly caught fish. The choices available included many kinds of rockfish and perch, as well as both edible eels (Anguilla) and moray eels, very small swordfish, scabbard fish, small sole, and large numbers of calamari, octopus and cuttlefish. The variety and number were surprising because the eastern Mediterranean is one of the least biologically productive areas of the world ocean, due to the extremely low nutrient levels in the water. This poor condition is due to the almost complete lack of rivers to bring nutrients to the Sea. While naturally, the Nile was the major source of nutrients, the construction of the Aswan High Dam caused them to be sequestered in Lake Nasser instead of flowing into the ocean. Still, even in its natural state the Mediterranean was never very productive. Clearly, the local fishermen are taking nearly everything that swims in the Gulf of Sirte where they do most of their fishing.
After the fish market, we toured the city and the National Museum. We then visited the souqs in the medina where a frenzy of business was underway in preparation for the beginning of the Holy Month of Ramadan in two days. After lunch aboard, we drove west along the coast to the Roman city of Sabratha with its wonderfully preserved theater and city buildings. It was a long and exciting day and as the red ball of the sun set behind Tripoli, we returned to the ship to try to sort out all the many experiences we have had during our very full days in Libya.
