Gambia

I spent a month in The Gambia working with Mercy Ships (organization traveling the world offering free medical treatment and surgeries) in 2002. The people are nice and always smiling. The beaches were nice, except near the fishing villages (dead fish cover the beach). Scams and pickpockets abound. Do be careful.

Big constrasts: sun, beaches, beautiful country and a lot of poverty around.

Went about 10 years ago but have great memories! (except the malaria tabs!!!!)

Twice,along time ago but it was brilliant..

I visited Gambia in December of 2004.

Since I enjoy traveling, I was able to travel through the entire country in about 12 hours though I visited for 2 weeks.

To tell abit about the country…

most people speak Mandinka or English. It’s not hard to find people who speak English, but I would advise not speaking too much until you get acclimated to your surroundings and the customs…it’s easy to be taken for a buck.

Here’s a few places to visit:

Serakunda

Basse

Georgetown

Amstel Restaurant

Definetely the beaches!

In regards to accomodations…

Stay at Sundowners. I stayed their in a lovely personal villa. It was GREAT. http://www.sundownersgambianvillas.co.uk

I had a kitchen, 2 bedrooms, sunroom (living room), 2 bathrooms, personal maid service and access to a LARGE pool.

It was a pleasure to be able to sleep and hear only the crickets chirping instead of loud buses and noises.

Anyway, the rates are good. Ask for Janice or Mick and tell them Khalidah sent you. They are humorous people who will have you in stitches from their colorfull nightime shendigs with the other residents. They have a tiki hut on the property that is too cute. :)

Anyway, the rest of Gambia is sort of third world, but you’ll get used to it. Sand is everywhere and will get into your shoes sooner or later. Most people there wear flip flops but I would suggest getting a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. Don’t opt for Nikes or brand name shoes,...they will just be dusty, dirty and full of sand when you get back home.

The local dress for the women are one piece flowing african dresses (think of exotic sundresses with the sleeves in).

Since the country is mostly Islamic, try to learn the Islamic religion somewhat so as not to offend anyone. It’s pretty straight forward. Don’t cuss anyone out or act arrogant and you’ll be ok. Gambians are known for their hospitality and good nature.

As for the food, BE SURE to visit the Amstel restaurant. The chef is THE BEST! If he’s still there, try to order the chicken yassa. It will have you stuffing your face without a care for passerby watching. hahahaha. (you laugh now, but I’ll bet you say the same thing if you order it). lol.

Anyway, as for the transportation, it’s easier to just learn the taxi system or stand on the side of the road and wait for the never ending taxi’s to skid up to you. A word of caution, learn what the fares are to where you want to go first (from someone other than the drivers) and negotiate BEFORE getting into the taxi.

On the ride, you will come across many displays of poverty. Don’t let this fool you. Gambians may be (and look) poor,...but no one is going hungry. Let that tell you something.

Happy traveling.

-Leedah

I stayed with a friend who grew up in the Gambia. The visit didn’t do much for our friendship – I learned a lot of stuff that would have been easier not knowing – but I spent a month sleeping, relaxing and getting into the Gambian rhythm. When I got back to Canada, my life didn’t seem quite as scary as when I left.

and get stoned!

I went on an international development trip about 15 years ago. The whole experience, especially my memories of the people I met, have really stayed with me. I have been longing to go back ever since.