August always brings back memories. It was in this very month, more than ten years ago, that the Philippine government ordered our repatriation from Libya. Though time has moved on, the memories have not. Libya — with all its beauty, chaos, and contradictions — continues to hold a special place in my heart.
My First Flight Abroad: Destination Benghazi
It was 2013 when I boarded my first international flight — from the Philippines to Doha, then onward to Benghazi, Libya. At that time, Libya was already unstable. We were well aware of the risks. But young, hopeful, and adventurous, we dared to work in a country torn by conflict.
The airport in Benghazi felt aged, worn down, and almost frozen in time. I remember thinking, Why am I here? I wasn’t alone. There were around 20 of us, all deployed by the same agency — new faces, mostly silent, hesitant to break the ice.
It was raining when we arrived. A coaster van picked us up and drove through the streets of Benghazi to our temporary hotel accommodation. My roommate was Niño, a quiet, laid-back guy from Cebu. It was winter, and after unpacking, we stepped outside and were greeted by the cold, fresh Mediterranean breeze — our first real taste of Libya.
Life in Villa Number 1
Over time, we slowly adjusted to our new environment. After a few months, we were moved to our permanent housing — Villa Number 1. There were nine of us in the house, all from the same batch. It was a melting pot of personalities packed into one small space.
Those were some of the most unforgettable moments. Singing karaoke late into the night, drinking homemade liquor, and feeling the consequences the next day. Sharing a single bathroom before our shifts — pure chaos, but hilarious in hindsight. Despite the tight quarters, we built deep friendships and a strong sense of camaraderie that made the challenges worthwhile.
Daily Routine Amid Instability
Life settled into a routine: hospital and home. Groceries were a monthly errand, always on payday. Security concerns kept us indoors most of the time — and yet, like many young people, we occasionally defied the rules. We’d sneak out to shop or eat at local restaurants, despite the risks.
The Filipino community in Libya was strong, bonded, and supportive. Birthday parties, gatherings, and shared meals made us feel like we were never alone — even in a country far from home and on the edge of war.
Discovering Libya’s Ancient Beauty
Eventually, we ventured outside Benghazi. Libya’s ancient ruins are stunning, and some of the best I’ve ever seen. We visited Shahhat and Sousa in Eastern Libya — breathtaking historical sites that transported us to another era. On our days off, we’d explore these treasures with the help of our Libyan friends, who welcomed us warmly despite the tensions surrounding us.
Learning to Live with Conflict
Strangely, we got used to the war. Explosions became part of the background — you’d feel the ground shake, wait for confirmation that the roads were clear, and then… life would go on. The remnants of conflict were always visible — on the way to work, outside our homes, or embedded in our routines.
Libya, Always in My Heart
I have no plans of going back to Libya. But the memories, the friendships, and the resilience we built together will always stay with me. Despite everything — the fear, the restrictions, the conflict — I love Libya. It shaped me. It humbled me. And it left a mark on my heart that time cannot erase.
thenightingaleexplorer 