First Journey Day 11: Mosaic of Faith

Date: September 4, 2023
Location: Tripoli, Libya

In Tripoli, on the Mediterranean edge of Libya, I stepped into the Gurgi Mosque—a pocket of stillness amid a lively port city. Light, tile, and time-worn stone set the mood for a day of spiritual listening and quiet sketching.

Quiet Geometry in Gurgi Mosque

Today was a day of spiritual exploration and artistic inspiration. I visited the Gurgi Mosque, a place of tranquility amidst the bustling city of Tripoli. The mosque's intricate architecture and the serene atmosphere provided a much-needed respite for my soul. I sat quietly in a corner, absorbing the ambiance and letting the calm wash over me.

Light, Shadow, and Pattern

The play of light and shadow through the ornate windows created a mesmerizing pattern on the floor, capturing my artistic imagination.

Shared Solace

As I sat there, I felt a connection not just to the place but to the people who have found solace here over the years. It was a humbling experience, reminding me of the universality of spiritual yearning, a theme that has been a recurring motif in my journey so far.

Sketches Toward a Future Piece

I sketched some of the patterns and architectural elements that caught my eye, already envisioning how they could be incorporated into my next artwork. The experience was not just visually stimulating but emotionally enriching as well—a kind of spiritual cleanse, preparing me for the next leg of my artistic journey.

Leaving with Stillness

Today was a reminder that sometimes the most profound inspirations come from places of quiet and introspection. I left the mosque feeling both spiritually uplifted and artistically invigorated, eager to translate today's experience into my next piece.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Sunny, high around 31 °C; warm air softened by a light sea breeze and cool stone interiors.
• Scents: Dust and polished wood with a faint trace of incense; the salt of the harbor lingering outside.
• Sounds: Soft footsteps on stone, murmured greetings, and the call to prayer threading through distant traffic.
• Reflection: Geometry became a quiet language—light stitching devotion into pattern, pattern into memory.

Continue the Journey

You may enjoy the previous day's coastal pause in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, or follow this thread of stillness to the next Libyan chapter in Benghazi.