A few weeks ago, I shared a story how my grandfather went to the land of opportunities, Tripoli. It is one of the most inspiring stories. It shows so much about determination and dedication in making anything possible. Also, that we must keep fighting for what we hope to achieve. Needless to say, this article is going to be a finishing for the first part.

I hope you enjoy reading the final part of this story. Check the first part  in case you haven’t yet: The Journey to The Land of Opportunities (Part I) – Libyan

Following Part I to the land of opportunities

As for the people who read the story, so many guessed he finally made it though he missed the ride. Despite the fact that he missed that ride, he decided to walk. Finally, he reached Al-Rabta crossroad where he can find people to help him out. 
After that, my grandfather found an old man with his wife working on their land. They asked him what was he doing and he told them his story. They were very impressed and invited him for some dates and milk before he leaves. He thanked them both and kept on walking. Afterwards, he reached a place called Dar Beer Suleiman and found two men and one of them had a bicycle.

They asked him what he was doing and again, he told him his story from the beginning. One of the men admired my grandfather’s bravery and offered to take him to the nearest district to Tripoli. It is where the Italian colonization cars used to pass by and take people to Tripoli. Once they arrived at his destination.

Closer to the land of opportunities, Tripoli

The sun was about to set. He kept on walking until he reached a place called Sabutenia (Italian origin word). There was a small store. The owner offered my grandfather some tea, However, all he wanted was to drink water. He drank the water and slept at the old man’s store.

In the next day, my grandfather found the car that takes people to Tripoli. Nonetheless, the driver asked him to pay 10 cents in order to take him but he got no pocket money. My grandfather decided to walk instead. After few miles, Tripoli was clearer to his sight with every extra step he took. Finally, he reached Tripoli the capital. This whole journey took him about two and a half days of sweat, exhaustion, and dedication.

My grandfather was tired but filled with joy and pride. He finally made it. My grandfather’s oldest stepbrother, Abd El-salam, lived in Tripoli. My grandfather decided to go and see his brother who lives in the old city. When he met his brother, he was happy but his brother was shocked. His brother told him not to stay here and that he must go back to Al-Qalaa.

An upsetting encounter

My grandfather got very upset. His brother did not want him to stay in the land of opportunities, Tripoli. He stayed at his brother’s house for about week but then, he went back to Al-Qalaa. He stayed there for two or three months until he figures out his next plan.
After long thinking, he decided to go back to Tripoli and find a job. First, he found a job as a driver for an Italian man. However, the salary was not convenient for the effort he made. So, he quit the job and started to think of an alternative option. He thought of selling soap blocks so to start this business.

He needed about 2 and a half Libyan dinars to buy the soaps. Therefore, he went to his brother’s store and asked him for the money, He promised to pay him back. Abd Al-Salam was talking with a friend when my grandfather stopped by and asked him. Later on, his brother refused to give him the money. He started to come up with excuses. His brother said that there was no way for my grandfather to make money. In contrast, his brother’s friend offered to give my grandfather the money.

The beginning of the business

Later on, my grandfather bought four blocks of soap with the money he borrowed and sold them all. He paid back his brother’s friend. He felt good about himself and kept on buying goods and selling them. After that, he rented his own place because he did not want to stay with his brother. Until he started his own business and opened his first store in Tripoli. My grandfather learned the hard way how to earn a living. He proved, those who stopped him at first, wrong. 

Hearing the story from my grandfather himself was greatly inspiring and moving. I was barely holding back the tears when I saw how his eyes lit up with a bittersweet look. My grandfather has been one of my role models. I know for a fact that hearing about his determination and fighting shaped my personality. He inspired me as a young girl.