Jenni Red
South African expat in Libya
Forum posts
121
Contacts
27
About me
South African
Lives in Tripoli
Speaks English, Afrikaans, German, French, Libyan Arabic (a little), ASL (a little)
Registration: 28 July 2010
About
My expat journey
Tripoli, Libya
I am BACK!!! YAY!! Living in the Mashru' al Hadba area of Tripoli - just off Treeg al Matar, behind the Brega Oil Refinery. Hoping to be a positive influence in rebuilding Libya, and would like to help out wherever I can, when I am not working. Projects I am interested in: Cleaning up Tripoli / Literacy programme run by FGM / Be Libyan for Libyans with special abilities (Empowering the Handicapped) / Forgiveness and Reconciliation / Trauma Counselling
1) Manager of the English Dept at Kul al Aloom School in Mashru' al Hadba
2) Planning to open Dynamic Language Centre Libya on the same premises - will manage and teach English
I love the atmosphere in Tripoli right now - and that MOST Libyans are wanting to move forward and rebuild their country. I will do anything I can to help that process into a democracy.
The "when we's" - i.e. the pro-Gaddafis who are still bewailing the fact of how "wonderful" it was "before" - when it really wasn't!! :-(
Penang, Malaysia
I lived and worked in Penang, Malaysia.
I was the English Programme Co-ordinator and an English teacher at a private language centre in Penang, Malaysia - teaching adults from all over the Middle and Far East, including many Libyans from North Africa!! :-)
1) My students - and the fact that I had a virtual "United Nations" right there in my classroom - and could get to know so many people from different nationalities and their cultures, without having to travel anywhere! :-)
2) My colleagues - we had a wonderful team who worked together well.
3) The beauty of the surroundings - and the delicious FOOD!!! :-)
Malaysians are generally speaking just too busy to enjoy life and take time to make friends or spend time together. To make a coffee date with anyone - I had to book 3 to 4 weeks in advance!! :-( And these were friends!!
Plus - It wasn't Libya..... ;'(
Tripoli, Libya
I lived and worked in Tripoli for 16 months as an ESL Instructor - taught adults, mostly Libyans
I was an ESL Instructor - taught English as a Second/Foreign Language
The people, the hospitality, the relationships - and now - the absolute passion for FREEDOM!!! I love that Libyans are prepared to stand up for freedom, prepared to die for it - and are so very passionate about their country.
The lack of freedom in the country in all areas of life - even my friends afraid to say anything against the government or anything else... :-(
Koege, Denmark
lived on board a ship in the final stages of being outfitted for service. Helped out twice a week at a "homeless" cafe in Copenhagen - very meaningful and rewarding - and heartbreaking.
Worked as full time Business Services Manager in the Business Centre on board the ship, and as part time ESL teacher, helping newly arrived crew members to be able to communicate better in English.
1) The directness of the Danish people!
2) LEGOLAND!!
3) Being able to read a book in natural light on the quayside, until 2330 at night in midsummer!!!
4) Hearing the sound of my feet crunching as I walked in the snow!
5) The friends I made - and old friendships renewed!
6) Watching a "friendly" football match in the snow!!
The extREMEly short days in winter....the hardness of heart in Koege :( .... The desperate need in the capital city, Copenhagen... :(
Mosbach/Bremen/Kiel, Germany
I lived and worked in Mosbach and then Bremen for a year, then moved to Kiel, where I lived for 6 months on board a ship that was being outfitted. Helped out at a "homeless" cafe once a week. An amazing time of my life!!!
Worked as Travel Co-ordinator waiting for my ship to come in (literally!!!:)), then as Business Services Manager, setting up the Business Centre on board, and later also as part time ESL Instructor, assisting new crew members to improve their English.
1) The German people!
2) Their amazing (dry!) sense of humour!
3) Being able to speak German almost 24 hours a day!
4) The countryside!
5) The sense of organisation!!
6) Christmas Markets!!
7) The way they REALLY know how to do Christmas!!! :)
1) The VERY short days in winter - going to work in the dark and returning home in the dark. :( 2) The fact that for some, WWII happened only yesterday....
Simunye, Eswatini
I accompanied my then-husband to Swaziland on a 3-year contract - we stayed 5 1/2 years! I wasnt allowed to work, as an ex-pat wife, so i occupied myself with working with children - dance/drama/creative movement! I also spent a lot of time travelling between my home in Swaziland, and my daughters' high school, in Kwazulu Natal, South Africa!
Fulltime Homemaker, part time Dance teacher and travelling mum!!!
The people! The amazing beauty, wildlife and scenery! Living in a village surrounded by 4 nature/game reserves! The friends I made - both local and ex-pat!
The colonial attitude/mentality of some of the ex-pats!!! :-( The way Swazi women were treated by their men!!! :-(
Pretoria, South Africa
I was born in South Africa, of South African parents and grandparents - so I am a true-blue South African! Just a little paler than some....! :) Lived in various cities - but Pretoria was the latest...
I was at various times: SAA Ground Staff in Cape Town / Personnel Consultant / Travel & Tourism Co-ordinator & Lecturer at Varsity College / Inbound Manager at a Tour Operator
I LOVE ZA and its people! We are truly a "Rainbow Nation"!!! :) I also love the scenery, nature, animals - there's simply nothing in the world quite like it!!! As the slogan says, we are "The World in One Country"!!!
people who bewail "the good ole times" - when they were really "the bad ole times"!!!! :(
Activity
Ur opinion is important by Samakauk
Would you please join us & share your opinion with us here? What do you think of Libya now? What is the future going to be like? Are you happy with your stay in Libya? And would you recommend it to others?
It is really nice to have you in Libya Jenni, was nice to read your sincere thoughts!Thank you, Libya2011!! I am very glad to be here!! :-) Read More
Eating out by Samakauk
It would be great if everyone post a restaurant of cafe, s/he thinks it is wonderful place and he would recommend it to others. I would start with Alfarooj fastfood. Formerly was managed by cookdoor.
In the old city close to Martyrs square there is Tripoli's restaurant. Fish soups, cous cous, grilled pumpikin and more! We could arrange a dinner there. Ciao!Hi Factory Girl - if you look further up this topic, you will see I already mentioned that ... Read More
Ur opinion is important by Samakauk
Would you please join us & share your opinion with us here? What do you think of Libya now? What is the future going to be like? Are you happy with your stay in Libya? And would you recommend it to others?
Thank u Jenni, this was very helpful.Pleasure, Samakauk - glad i could contribute!! :-) Read More
Ur opinion is important by Samakauk
Would you please join us & share your opinion with us here? What do you think of Libya now? What is the future going to be like? Are you happy with your stay in Libya? And would you recommend it to others?
I have just moved back to Tripoli, Libya, two months ago, after having to be evacuated soon after the start of the revolution at the end of February 2011. Before the war I had been living and working in Tripoli as a teacher, for 16 months. I then ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Libya by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Libya, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Well said, naiyersheen!!! I completely agree!! :-) Read More
5 good reasons for living in Libya by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Libya, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Hi Aurelie - I think Fahim was just trying to help bijpuls understand in their own language what this particular forum is about.... ;-) Read More
Expired Visa by MadAnnie
I work with some people whose visa's have expired and the company say 'oh that is ok, not a problem'. Their visa's expired a month ago! Also how long does it take to get residency these days as someone said today it is only taking 4 days.
I work with some people whose visa's have expired and the company say 'oh that is ok, not a problem'. Their visa's expired a month ago! Also how long does it take to get residency these days as someone said today it is only taking 4 days.Hi ... Read More
Libya Nightlife by NYCGlobeTrotter
Currently in Tripoli and looking to explore the city. - Can anyone recommend a good place to hangout at night? Is there an area where most people go? - Recommendation for an english speaking driver w/ car? Looking to head out to the Roman Ruins - ...
LOOOL - Scattered gunshots are the norm at the moment - but at least it IS better than when i was here in December. Plus the military and police ARE finally beginning to have an effect on security. Tho last night friends in Gargaresh reported TWO ... Read More
How long does it take for Mail through Postal service? by trex
Hello Friends, A friend of mine in the UK has just sent a mail via postal service to me in Libya. He sent it to my PO BOX here in Libya, how long does it take for it to arrive in my box? Thanks in advance for the information. Regards, T
Thanks for the extra info, Leptis - good to know!! :-) Hi all, some people using Arabian company called ARAMEX located in Gargour area for parcels and they openning accounts with them . DHL for documents and paper stuff because its expensive and ... Read More
How long does it take for Mail through Postal service? by trex
Hello Friends, A friend of mine in the UK has just sent a mail via postal service to me in Libya. He sent it to my PO BOX here in Libya, how long does it take for it to arrive in my box? Thanks in advance for the information. Regards, T
OH Trex - for SURE if thats where your box is then you can (and should) collect ALL your mail there - I was just talking about if you had a box at another smaller post office.... ;-) Thanks very much Jenni, a week to 10 days for an A4 letter ... Read More
How long does it take for Mail through Postal service? by trex
Hello Friends, A friend of mine in the UK has just sent a mail via postal service to me in Libya. He sent it to my PO BOX here in Libya, how long does it take for it to arrive in my box? Thanks in advance for the information. Regards, T
Hi Trex - if it is a parcel will take about 2 weeks - but normal document or small package - about a week to 10 days..... Not sure what procedure is now after the war - but before, any document (normal mail) or small package up to max A4 size would ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Libya by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Libya, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Bizpuls as Aurelie has said - this is not the post or the forum to discuss jobs - please keep to the topic. The only suggestion i can give to you is apply through the usual channels as most of us did. I came originally though Libyan ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Libya by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Libya, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Pleasure, Leptis!! :-) Glad you liked it! :-) Bizpuls - glad you liked those reasons - and that they are yours too!! Come over as soon as you can!! ;-) Read More
Getting together by JuanDeutsch
Hi! I know, there has been a couple of ideas to organize a meeting (at La Scala, for example), but a don't know if you actually met. Anyway, someone willing to meet for coffee or meal? May be at la scala, may be at this new indian restaurant next to ...
LOOOL - Hilton - why does that bother you?....we will be better protected than most!!! ;-) hi jenni i receive this message it is good idea to meet in Cornthia but as i know cornthia is full with amred soilders due to most of VIP staying there Read More
Eating out by Samakauk
It would be great if everyone post a restaurant of cafe, s/he thinks it is wonderful place and he would recommend it to others. I would start with Alfarooj fastfood. Formerly was managed by cookdoor.
I also was just introduced to a REALLY lovely Cafe/Restaurant in Gargaresh Road - just on the edge of Siya Hiya and gergaresh....called Veranda Cafe - it has just moved next door to where it was originally, and is now much bigger and better - and ... Read More