by Paolo Copparoni, translated into English by Ruth Stephens
Chapter 3 – To Libya
Since accepting Sig. Bianchi’s job offer, Marco has been trying to learn about the country where he will be spending the next few months.
He realizes that he knows very little about Libya: it will be very hot there, it was once an Italian colony, and there has been political unrest there lately.
On the day of Marco’s departure, a company car arrives at his home to take him to Milan airport.
The Alitalia flight is uneventful. After about 4 hours, the plane lands in Tripoli.
Marco first impression, as he expected, is of the heat, which is very different from the weather in Milan.
But he’s also surprised by the number of police and security officers present at the airport. He begins to appreciate the climate of political tension that exists in the city.
Marco is met by Nassyr, a young Libyan who works for the company. Nassyr will take him to the apartment which he will share with other workers.
Nassyr is very welcoming, and treats Marco like an old friend. He speaks a little Italian, with a strong Arabic accent.
During the journey from the airport to his new home, the sense of political tension that Marco noticed at the airport is reinforced.
The car in which he and Nassyr are travelling first passes a long convoy of army vehicles.
And then, suddenly, they find themselves in the middle of a demonstration. Crowds of young rebels are protesting against the government!
More?
Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13