Theatre_sabratha_libyaDear Forrest,

In your book, Teepee Smoke, you show a small image of Joseph Sharp visiting the Acoma Pueblo where it is written he liked to “just sit and look and contemplate.”  Where would you say is a place you like to ‘just sit and look and contemplate’?  And why? ~j

There’ve been many sites where I’ve rested and fallen under its spell. One of my favorites was at the Roman city of Sabratha where fifty times I sat against an ancient wall and looked out across the Mediterranean. Thoughts of those thoughts still are indelible in my mind. So much history in that place; so many invisible lives still are there. I invite you to use Google Earth and see for yourself. It’s on the extreme north western edge of Libya.f

 

 

19 Comments

  1. Thanks for posting my answer Jenny. Ancient ruins are a great place in which to wander around through a thousand years of accumulated debris, and wonder how things used to be. Each place and time had different rules and customs. In Libya they have what’s called “Quiet Hour.” As I recall it was daily between 2:00 and 3;00 pm, and there could be no noise at all. Honking a horn was a terrible breach that brought a swift punishment. It also meant that US Air Force planes arriving from Europe could not land during that hour. If you didn’t plan your arrival correcrly, and didn’t have enough fuel to hold out over the Mediterranean until after 3:00, you had to jump out, and hope to be picked up. That happened at least once that I remember.

    1. Forrest, what an inspiring and peaceful place to be alone with your thoughts. Thank you for introducing me to Sabratha. I’ll enjoy reading her history and envisioning you sitting beneath the shaded columns.

      Did you enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean when you jumped?

      lia
  2. Jenny – I was just mentioning to someone else,….that I am reading this book by Timothy Egan, “Lasso the Wind”,…which includes vivid descriptions,…and the history,…of Acoma Pueblo. Then I connected to your blog,…and saw your post about Joseph Sharp being there. Too cool. 🙂

    E*
  3. I’ve been a NM resident for over 20 years, and have visited Acoma many times…in fact, it’s one of the places I make sure to take first-time visitors as it is so rich with New Mexican history, and the view and serenity from atop Sky City is almost surreal. They still allow visitors to walk down the old stone “staircase” that winds through the rock face as well…I highly recommend a visit here to those who are able to experience this wonderful site. Maybe someday I will get to experience Libya and the Roman city of Sabratha, too…thank you, Forrest, for sharing.

  4. No more dams I’ll make for fish
    Nor fetch in firing
    At requiring;
    Nor scrape trencher, nor wash dish
    ‘Ban, ‘Ban, Cacaliban
    Has a new master: get a new man.
    Freedom, hey-day! hey-day, freedom! freedom,
    hey-day, freedom!

    HappyThoth

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