Find
out about The Gambia, the people, culture, the beaches, the bird
spotting.
I liked The Gambia,
I had not been to Africa for many years, [ over 10 ] When I suddenly
took a weeks holiday to The Gambia with my ex [ big mistake!
], however I really enjoyed it, and the saying ' Africa never
changes ' soon came to play on my mind. After over 10 years away
from Africa, I really did think that by now it would be changing,
but I was wrong!
I immediately fell
straight back in the the ' poly poly ' way of life, for me it was
as easy as riding a bike, I guess I'm just an old sucker for this
way of life, to sum it all up in 2 words ... it's me!
Although I had
never been to The Gambia before, I have of course been to many
countries in Africa, so I was well up on what to expect when we
arrived there.
I was really
looking forward to the plane doors opening, when your standing at
the top of the steps, and the warm sticky climate hits you. It
did, and from that moment on, I had a smile on my face. Now here
is a tip for anyone that is planning to go to The Gambia, or
indeed anywhere in Africa... If you are leaving the UK in winter,
put your shorts on under your jeans, then just before the plane
lands, nip in to the toilet and take your jeans off, roll them up,
and put them in your bag! As you walk down the steps of the plane,
you will be glad you followed this easy to remember tip! Failing
to do this will result in very sticky legs, sticking to very
sticky jeans!
When to Visit
The best time to
visit The Gambia is from November through to March, this is the
dry season, it actually starts in October, however if you want to
make sure the weather is hot, dry and mostly mosquito free, then
wait until November, for the best time of all, go around the end
of December or the start of January.
The Culture
The Gambia is a Muslim
country with around 90% of the population, other ethnic groups
include Fulani, Jola, Mandinka (Mandingo), Serahuli and Wolof. If
you are planning on visiting the Gambia, please respect their religion.
It is not OK for women to walk around the beaches topless,
it is not OK for women to walk around the markets showing
their thighs, cover up when out and about, and if on the beach,
you are allowed to wear bikinis so long as you don't expose your
upper half! You will attract much attention from the Gambian men
if you do not follow these rules, so you have been warned!
If you are a woman traveling
to the Gambia alone, you will attract much attention from Gambian
men anyway, if you want to avoid such attention, get a fake
wedding ring and wear it! To shake off the men, simply tell them
you are married and that your husband will not approve if you talk
to them. They will understand and leave you alone, it goes without
saying, you do not need to be rude, just tell them in a relaxed
but firm way.
