Friday, January 30, 2009
Gambia Adventure Part 2
We made friends with Sulayman (from the hotel office), he took us into Serrekunda.
Serrekunda, is a VERY, VERY busy, DUSTY, market town, off , the mian Kairaba Avenue.
Getting to Serrekunda, we took a “GELLEH GELLEH” (Gelly Gelly – A taxi, mini bus/van, crammed full, of people (or animals) and stops at ramdom people ,who want a lift. Ours had lino on the floor (with occasional hole, through, to the road and no glass in the windows (except for the windscreen). A very memorable journey, on and off-road plus very cheap 5D (pence).
At, our destination, we walked through, the “manic” traffic and stalls, done some shopping then went, to Lana`s Bar, for refreshments and watch the “bustle” of Serrekunda. It was here we saw the “NESCAFE” mobile coffee shop, a 45gallon drum on wheels, which holds cups and a flask of coffee, inside !!.
We took a few taxi`s (cars) back to the “strip”, where we went for a meal, before going to the hotel.
As we were, going into the restaurant, I heard a voice, shouting –ALAN – DAWN, it was a good friend Ansu ( we had met him on previous visits, remember, in June, when we went to the “ROOTS” Festival, he spotted us in a crowded stadium, and came over to speak to us !!!, we are so happy to see each, other.
On one trip out to visit Lamin and his family ( I went, on my own, as Dawn was ill, with a sore throat).
On the way, we stopped at “Westfield Junction” for me to buy new sunglasses (first pair had broke) paid 50Dalassi (approx £1.30, for RAYBANs !!).
I spent the day drinking ATTAYA with friends and looking around Jeswang ( walking around , alone, felt very safe, as we are part of the community), I went back, to the compound, for a meal and relax, with friends.
A small group of us (6) (4 of us friends, Ritchie, Joanne, Dawn, Alan, from the same hotel) took a trip (Arch tours) on a 1 day tour, to Senegal.
A trip which included a journey on the Banjul – Barra Ferry (an experience, in itself) in Barra, we took a Land Rover to the Gambia / Senegal border, where we got our passports stamped (for both countries).
We travelled, along (dusty) roads, to “Fathala Game Reserve” on first impression, we all thought – this is HANDY, two Zebra, are inside the gate,
Once in we were shown two monkeys, that where CHAINED up, and obviously in total distress (we made our disgust known) we then went, further in to the bush to see many Antelope, two Rhino, few bush pigs, and three Giraffes (it took ages to find the Giraffes, only to find them “conveniently”, quite near, the exit!!!). A fast, rough, ride to the exit of the reserve, where we saw a couple of snakes, in a cage, and some dirty water pool, with some small crocodiles.
Then we travelled along the road, to have a short stop at a hotel, for lunch, and to freshen up. This hotel (French) is on a river, has its own pontoon, has wonderful views, a very luxurious place.
After lunch, we travelled to see, a “Big Tree” WOWEE !!!, but upon seeing it, it was HUGE, an very impressive, from here we returned to the border, where we got our passports stamped again (twice), and onto Barra, to catch the ferry back to Banjul.
Once, in Banjul we went along “Independence Drive”, towards “Arch 22” ( Driving through the Arch, is prohibited) a small diversion, onto the Banjul – Serrakunda Highway,on our way back to the hotel.
At, the end of the trip, we all THANKED, our (male) guides – Alex and Jane, for a fun trip (except the Game Reserve).
We ended the day with a meal at “Ali Babas Garden”, on the “Strip”.
On our last Full day, we went to visit Lamins compound, to have a “GOODBYE” meal, of BENECHIN (fish, or meat, and vegetables on a bed of spicy sauce and rice). On the way we went to a “Jembe” (African Drum), makers Factory/compound. To purchase a “Jembe”, (not the ordinary tourist, offerings), one with, lovely carving, on the base. Then to say farewell to friends ( Dawn showed. How to use “Bluetooth”, on her mobile phone, with one lad, who didn’t STOP talking.
Next day, was departure day. Last packing, plus asking the hotel gardener to wrap the “Jembe”, we got paper and packing tape, for him, and what a wonderful job he done. Up to, the “strip” for a final lunch, before we go.
Lamin, was at the airport, to escort us through, and stay with us, until our flight leaves, (his day to day job as Senior Ground Operator, at the airport, makes wheelchair, assistance, an easy task) getting to the plane, was FUN, getting wheeled, quite far, along/across the, end of the runway, was a moment to remember.
The return flight, was OK, only one brief spell, of TURBULENCE, severe enough for us to lift off our seats, and people to look worried !!.
Now, at home, trying to get back to normal (and warm)
Restart going to the GYM, AND LOOK FOR THE NEXT, TRAVEL ADVENTURE.
Updated photos = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
Review, of the hotel = http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297575-d538140-r23687758-Holiday_Beach_Club_Hotel-Kololi.html
We made friends with Sulayman (from the hotel office), he took us into Serrekunda.
Serrekunda, is a VERY, VERY busy, DUSTY, market town, off , the mian Kairaba Avenue.
Getting to Serrekunda, we took a “GELLEH GELLEH” (Gelly Gelly – A taxi, mini bus/van, crammed full, of people (or animals) and stops at ramdom people ,who want a lift. Ours had lino on the floor (with occasional hole, through, to the road and no glass in the windows (except for the windscreen). A very memorable journey, on and off-road plus very cheap 5D (pence).
At, our destination, we walked through, the “manic” traffic and stalls, done some shopping then went, to Lana`s Bar, for refreshments and watch the “bustle” of Serrekunda. It was here we saw the “NESCAFE” mobile coffee shop, a 45gallon drum on wheels, which holds cups and a flask of coffee, inside !!.
We took a few taxi`s (cars) back to the “strip”, where we went for a meal, before going to the hotel.
As we were, going into the restaurant, I heard a voice, shouting –ALAN – DAWN, it was a good friend Ansu ( we had met him on previous visits, remember, in June, when we went to the “ROOTS” Festival, he spotted us in a crowded stadium, and came over to speak to us !!!, we are so happy to see each, other.
On one trip out to visit Lamin and his family ( I went, on my own, as Dawn was ill, with a sore throat).
On the way, we stopped at “Westfield Junction” for me to buy new sunglasses (first pair had broke) paid 50Dalassi (approx £1.30, for RAYBANs !!).
I spent the day drinking ATTAYA with friends and looking around Jeswang ( walking around , alone, felt very safe, as we are part of the community), I went back, to the compound, for a meal and relax, with friends.
A small group of us (6) (4 of us friends, Ritchie, Joanne, Dawn, Alan, from the same hotel) took a trip (Arch tours) on a 1 day tour, to Senegal.
A trip which included a journey on the Banjul – Barra Ferry (an experience, in itself) in Barra, we took a Land Rover to the Gambia / Senegal border, where we got our passports stamped (for both countries).
We travelled, along (dusty) roads, to “Fathala Game Reserve” on first impression, we all thought – this is HANDY, two Zebra, are inside the gate,
Once in we were shown two monkeys, that where CHAINED up, and obviously in total distress (we made our disgust known) we then went, further in to the bush to see many Antelope, two Rhino, few bush pigs, and three Giraffes (it took ages to find the Giraffes, only to find them “conveniently”, quite near, the exit!!!). A fast, rough, ride to the exit of the reserve, where we saw a couple of snakes, in a cage, and some dirty water pool, with some small crocodiles.
Then we travelled along the road, to have a short stop at a hotel, for lunch, and to freshen up. This hotel (French) is on a river, has its own pontoon, has wonderful views, a very luxurious place.
After lunch, we travelled to see, a “Big Tree” WOWEE !!!, but upon seeing it, it was HUGE, an very impressive, from here we returned to the border, where we got our passports stamped again (twice), and onto Barra, to catch the ferry back to Banjul.
Once, in Banjul we went along “Independence Drive”, towards “Arch 22” ( Driving through the Arch, is prohibited) a small diversion, onto the Banjul – Serrakunda Highway,on our way back to the hotel.
At, the end of the trip, we all THANKED, our (male) guides – Alex and Jane, for a fun trip (except the Game Reserve).
We ended the day with a meal at “Ali Babas Garden”, on the “Strip”.
On our last Full day, we went to visit Lamins compound, to have a “GOODBYE” meal, of BENECHIN (fish, or meat, and vegetables on a bed of spicy sauce and rice). On the way we went to a “Jembe” (African Drum), makers Factory/compound. To purchase a “Jembe”, (not the ordinary tourist, offerings), one with, lovely carving, on the base. Then to say farewell to friends ( Dawn showed. How to use “Bluetooth”, on her mobile phone, with one lad, who didn’t STOP talking.
Next day, was departure day. Last packing, plus asking the hotel gardener to wrap the “Jembe”, we got paper and packing tape, for him, and what a wonderful job he done. Up to, the “strip” for a final lunch, before we go.
Lamin, was at the airport, to escort us through, and stay with us, until our flight leaves, (his day to day job as Senior Ground Operator, at the airport, makes wheelchair, assistance, an easy task) getting to the plane, was FUN, getting wheeled, quite far, along/across the, end of the runway, was a moment to remember.
The return flight, was OK, only one brief spell, of TURBULENCE, severe enough for us to lift off our seats, and people to look, very worried !!.
Now, at home, trying to get back to normal (and warm)
Restart going to the GYM, AND LOOK FOR THE NEXT, TRAVEL ADVENTURE.
Updated photos = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
Review, of the hotel = http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297575-d538140-r23687758-Holiday_Beach_Club_Hotel-Kololi.html
Serrekunda, is a VERY, VERY busy, DUSTY, market town, off , the mian Kairaba Avenue.
Getting to Serrekunda, we took a “GELLEH GELLEH” (Gelly Gelly – A taxi, mini bus/van, crammed full, of people (or animals) and stops at ramdom people ,who want a lift. Ours had lino on the floor (with occasional hole, through, to the road and no glass in the windows (except for the windscreen). A very memorable journey, on and off-road plus very cheap 5D (pence).
At, our destination, we walked through, the “manic” traffic and stalls, done some shopping then went, to Lana`s Bar, for refreshments and watch the “bustle” of Serrekunda. It was here we saw the “NESCAFE” mobile coffee shop, a 45gallon drum on wheels, which holds cups and a flask of coffee, inside !!.
We took a few taxi`s (cars) back to the “strip”, where we went for a meal, before going to the hotel.
As we were, going into the restaurant, I heard a voice, shouting –ALAN – DAWN, it was a good friend Ansu ( we had met him on previous visits, remember, in June, when we went to the “ROOTS” Festival, he spotted us in a crowded stadium, and came over to speak to us !!!, we are so happy to see each, other.
On one trip out to visit Lamin and his family ( I went, on my own, as Dawn was ill, with a sore throat).
On the way, we stopped at “Westfield Junction” for me to buy new sunglasses (first pair had broke) paid 50Dalassi (approx £1.30, for RAYBANs !!).
I spent the day drinking ATTAYA with friends and looking around Jeswang ( walking around , alone, felt very safe, as we are part of the community), I went back, to the compound, for a meal and relax, with friends.
A small group of us (6) (4 of us friends, Ritchie, Joanne, Dawn, Alan, from the same hotel) took a trip (Arch tours) on a 1 day tour, to Senegal.
A trip which included a journey on the Banjul – Barra Ferry (an experience, in itself) in Barra, we took a Land Rover to the Gambia / Senegal border, where we got our passports stamped (for both countries).
We travelled, along (dusty) roads, to “Fathala Game Reserve” on first impression, we all thought – this is HANDY, two Zebra, are inside the gate,
Once in we were shown two monkeys, that where CHAINED up, and obviously in total distress (we made our disgust known) we then went, further in to the bush to see many Antelope, two Rhino, few bush pigs, and three Giraffes (it took ages to find the Giraffes, only to find them “conveniently”, quite near, the exit!!!). A fast, rough, ride to the exit of the reserve, where we saw a couple of snakes, in a cage, and some dirty water pool, with some small crocodiles.
Then we travelled along the road, to have a short stop at a hotel, for lunch, and to freshen up. This hotel (French) is on a river, has its own pontoon, has wonderful views, a very luxurious place.
After lunch, we travelled to see, a “Big Tree” WOWEE !!!, but upon seeing it, it was HUGE, an very impressive, from here we returned to the border, where we got our passports stamped again (twice), and onto Barra, to catch the ferry back to Banjul.
Once, in Banjul we went along “Independence Drive”, towards “Arch 22” ( Driving through the Arch, is prohibited) a small diversion, onto the Banjul – Serrakunda Highway,on our way back to the hotel.
At, the end of the trip, we all THANKED, our (male) guides – Alex and Jane, for a fun trip (except the Game Reserve).
We ended the day with a meal at “Ali Babas Garden”, on the “Strip”.
On our last Full day, we went to visit Lamins compound, to have a “GOODBYE” meal, of BENECHIN (fish, or meat, and vegetables on a bed of spicy sauce and rice). On the way we went to a “Jembe” (African Drum), makers Factory/compound. To purchase a “Jembe”, (not the ordinary tourist, offerings), one with, lovely carving, on the base. Then to say farewell to friends ( Dawn showed. How to use “Bluetooth”, on her mobile phone, with one lad, who didn’t STOP talking.
Next day, was departure day. Last packing, plus asking the hotel gardener to wrap the “Jembe”, we got paper and packing tape, for him, and what a wonderful job he done. Up to, the “strip” for a final lunch, before we go.
Lamin, was at the airport, to escort us through, and stay with us, until our flight leaves, (his day to day job as Senior Ground Operator, at the airport, makes wheelchair, assistance, an easy task) getting to the plane, was FUN, getting wheeled, quite far, along/across the, end of the runway, was a moment to remember.
The return flight, was OK, only one brief spell, of TURBULENCE, severe enough for us to lift off our seats, and people to look worried !!.
Now, at home, trying to get back to normal (and warm)
Restart going to the GYM, AND LOOK FOR THE NEXT, TRAVEL ADVENTURE.
Updated photos = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
Review, of the hotel = http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297575-d538140-r23687758-Holiday_Beach_Club_Hotel-Kololi.html
We made friends with Sulayman (from the hotel office), he took us into Serrekunda.
Serrekunda, is a VERY, VERY busy, DUSTY, market town, off , the mian Kairaba Avenue.
Getting to Serrekunda, we took a “GELLEH GELLEH” (Gelly Gelly – A taxi, mini bus/van, crammed full, of people (or animals) and stops at ramdom people ,who want a lift. Ours had lino on the floor (with occasional hole, through, to the road and no glass in the windows (except for the windscreen). A very memorable journey, on and off-road plus very cheap 5D (pence).
At, our destination, we walked through, the “manic” traffic and stalls, done some shopping then went, to Lana`s Bar, for refreshments and watch the “bustle” of Serrekunda. It was here we saw the “NESCAFE” mobile coffee shop, a 45gallon drum on wheels, which holds cups and a flask of coffee, inside !!.
We took a few taxi`s (cars) back to the “strip”, where we went for a meal, before going to the hotel.
As we were, going into the restaurant, I heard a voice, shouting –ALAN – DAWN, it was a good friend Ansu ( we had met him on previous visits, remember, in June, when we went to the “ROOTS” Festival, he spotted us in a crowded stadium, and came over to speak to us !!!, we are so happy to see each, other.
On one trip out to visit Lamin and his family ( I went, on my own, as Dawn was ill, with a sore throat).
On the way, we stopped at “Westfield Junction” for me to buy new sunglasses (first pair had broke) paid 50Dalassi (approx £1.30, for RAYBANs !!).
I spent the day drinking ATTAYA with friends and looking around Jeswang ( walking around , alone, felt very safe, as we are part of the community), I went back, to the compound, for a meal and relax, with friends.
A small group of us (6) (4 of us friends, Ritchie, Joanne, Dawn, Alan, from the same hotel) took a trip (Arch tours) on a 1 day tour, to Senegal.
A trip which included a journey on the Banjul – Barra Ferry (an experience, in itself) in Barra, we took a Land Rover to the Gambia / Senegal border, where we got our passports stamped (for both countries).
We travelled, along (dusty) roads, to “Fathala Game Reserve” on first impression, we all thought – this is HANDY, two Zebra, are inside the gate,
Once in we were shown two monkeys, that where CHAINED up, and obviously in total distress (we made our disgust known) we then went, further in to the bush to see many Antelope, two Rhino, few bush pigs, and three Giraffes (it took ages to find the Giraffes, only to find them “conveniently”, quite near, the exit!!!). A fast, rough, ride to the exit of the reserve, where we saw a couple of snakes, in a cage, and some dirty water pool, with some small crocodiles.
Then we travelled along the road, to have a short stop at a hotel, for lunch, and to freshen up. This hotel (French) is on a river, has its own pontoon, has wonderful views, a very luxurious place.
After lunch, we travelled to see, a “Big Tree” WOWEE !!!, but upon seeing it, it was HUGE, an very impressive, from here we returned to the border, where we got our passports stamped again (twice), and onto Barra, to catch the ferry back to Banjul.
Once, in Banjul we went along “Independence Drive”, towards “Arch 22” ( Driving through the Arch, is prohibited) a small diversion, onto the Banjul – Serrakunda Highway,on our way back to the hotel.
At, the end of the trip, we all THANKED, our (male) guides – Alex and Jane, for a fun trip (except the Game Reserve).
We ended the day with a meal at “Ali Babas Garden”, on the “Strip”.
On our last Full day, we went to visit Lamins compound, to have a “GOODBYE” meal, of BENECHIN (fish, or meat, and vegetables on a bed of spicy sauce and rice). On the way we went to a “Jembe” (African Drum), makers Factory/compound. To purchase a “Jembe”, (not the ordinary tourist, offerings), one with, lovely carving, on the base. Then to say farewell to friends ( Dawn showed. How to use “Bluetooth”, on her mobile phone, with one lad, who didn’t STOP talking.
Next day, was departure day. Last packing, plus asking the hotel gardener to wrap the “Jembe”, we got paper and packing tape, for him, and what a wonderful job he done. Up to, the “strip” for a final lunch, before we go.
Lamin, was at the airport, to escort us through, and stay with us, until our flight leaves, (his day to day job as Senior Ground Operator, at the airport, makes wheelchair, assistance, an easy task) getting to the plane, was FUN, getting wheeled, quite far, along/across the, end of the runway, was a moment to remember.
The return flight, was OK, only one brief spell, of TURBULENCE, severe enough for us to lift off our seats, and people to look, very worried !!.
Now, at home, trying to get back to normal (and warm)
Restart going to the GYM, AND LOOK FOR THE NEXT, TRAVEL ADVENTURE.
Updated photos = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
Review, of the hotel = http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g297575-d538140-r23687758-Holiday_Beach_Club_Hotel-Kololi.html
Monday, January 26, 2009
Settling in to "CANDLE" Hunting !!
Its been a fairly, busy week, trying to get back to “NORMAL”.
Been sorting photos, writing reports, replying to hundreds, of emails, sorting out some “LOCAL” travel plans.
Was able to return to the gym, during the week, went two days, on the trot !!!.
Also managed to go to the cinema, in Cardigan http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ went to see
La Casa Di Dio http://mwldan.ticketsolve.com/events/events_for_show/704313
Burn After Readng http://mwldan.ticketsolve.com/events/events_for_show/704296
Australia http://www.australiamovie.com/
Friday, the bus, for Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ turned up, a relief driver, who had my name down, as a “collection” (I felt a bit guilty, for not going in).
Went to the Train Station, to book tickets, to Chesterfield, Sheffield, for my trip early, next month. Hope to (I WILL) stay at a friends house, while I attend a conference, in Sheffield.
(booking the train journeys, was straight foreward, as the attendant was very helpful, (a different attendant, from the “Jobs worth”, I saw on previous visits !!!).
Saturday, evening, we attended, A Curry Night at Towy Boat Club, we finished, the night off, with a few friends going to local public house.
As soon as I have, a few moments, I will try and finish part 2 of the Gambian Adventure, but meanwhile, there are some updated photos, at flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
the two/three ended candle hunt, is on !!!!
Been sorting photos, writing reports, replying to hundreds, of emails, sorting out some “LOCAL” travel plans.
Was able to return to the gym, during the week, went two days, on the trot !!!.
Also managed to go to the cinema, in Cardigan http://www.mwldan.co.uk/ went to see
La Casa Di Dio http://mwldan.ticketsolve.com/events/events_for_show/704313
Burn After Readng http://mwldan.ticketsolve.com/events/events_for_show/704296
Australia http://www.australiamovie.com/
Friday, the bus, for Coleshill http://www.coleshillsocialcentre.org.uk/ turned up, a relief driver, who had my name down, as a “collection” (I felt a bit guilty, for not going in).
Went to the Train Station, to book tickets, to Chesterfield, Sheffield, for my trip early, next month. Hope to (I WILL) stay at a friends house, while I attend a conference, in Sheffield.
(booking the train journeys, was straight foreward, as the attendant was very helpful, (a different attendant, from the “Jobs worth”, I saw on previous visits !!!).
Saturday, evening, we attended, A Curry Night at Towy Boat Club, we finished, the night off, with a few friends going to local public house.
As soon as I have, a few moments, I will try and finish part 2 of the Gambian Adventure, but meanwhile, there are some updated photos, at flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
the two/three ended candle hunt, is on !!!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Gambian Adventure - Part 1
Left, for Travelodge in Reading, on 31st December 2008.
Alarm clock, didn’t work, next morning, so a quick route to Gatwick.
Got to Banjul airport, Gambia (VERY HOT), met by our friend Lamin.
Went to the hotel, via tour bus, checked in, went to our room, then made our way to the beach / pool.
Went to visit Lamin and his family, all very happy to see us return. We were treated to a meal, “Domoda” (rice with meat, in peanut sauce). Met up with friends, from previous visits.
One day a GTA guide took us to a BATIK Factory, very colourful fabrics and clothes, from their we went on to Lamin Lodge, a very peaceful place, where we took a “dugout” canoe tour, around the river and mangroves. Then returned to, the restaurant, for refreshments, with excellent views, over the river and mangroves.
The Lodge, restaurant, is along a raised, wooden, platform across the water and mangroves, with a solid stretch, of the path, in front of the building.
Next, day, we walked, (I WHEELED) along, the “Strip” (the busy tourist area/road, outside the hotel), to the Sennegambia Hotel, a very large, upmarket, hotel) we looked around the hotel gardens and watched, the daily, “Vulture feeding”, display.
Another journey, up to Banjul to look at the “Albert Market” (a maze of stalls, very close together, selling everything). After the market, we walked, along the, busy beach, to the Ferry Terminal (Chaos times 100), went to have coffee, at a market stall (we went here on our last visit, the stall holder remembered us) the coffee is made of condensed milk and is served in HUGE mugs, we also had a sandwich (Baguette with either spam or boiled egg) 2 baguettes, 3 coffee, 1 canned drink = 45D ( just over £1).
From here we went back to our guides compound, for another meal and spend time family (and experience daily life). I went to have my haircut in a local salon in Jeswang (short walk from the compound) 75D = £2 (approx).
The exchange rate differs daily, during our stay it was 37 – 38.50D to the £.
There are plenty of places to exchange money, best rate is always for CASH.
Cashpoints are very busy, not that commonplace (usually have a taxi, to find one working).
Photos on Flickr = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
Alarm clock, didn’t work, next morning, so a quick route to Gatwick.
Got to Banjul airport, Gambia (VERY HOT), met by our friend Lamin.
Went to the hotel, via tour bus, checked in, went to our room, then made our way to the beach / pool.
Went to visit Lamin and his family, all very happy to see us return. We were treated to a meal, “Domoda” (rice with meat, in peanut sauce). Met up with friends, from previous visits.
One day a GTA guide took us to a BATIK Factory, very colourful fabrics and clothes, from their we went on to Lamin Lodge, a very peaceful place, where we took a “dugout” canoe tour, around the river and mangroves. Then returned to, the restaurant, for refreshments, with excellent views, over the river and mangroves.
The Lodge, restaurant, is along a raised, wooden, platform across the water and mangroves, with a solid stretch, of the path, in front of the building.
Next, day, we walked, (I WHEELED) along, the “Strip” (the busy tourist area/road, outside the hotel), to the Sennegambia Hotel, a very large, upmarket, hotel) we looked around the hotel gardens and watched, the daily, “Vulture feeding”, display.
Another journey, up to Banjul to look at the “Albert Market” (a maze of stalls, very close together, selling everything). After the market, we walked, along the, busy beach, to the Ferry Terminal (Chaos times 100), went to have coffee, at a market stall (we went here on our last visit, the stall holder remembered us) the coffee is made of condensed milk and is served in HUGE mugs, we also had a sandwich (Baguette with either spam or boiled egg) 2 baguettes, 3 coffee, 1 canned drink = 45D ( just over £1).
From here we went back to our guides compound, for another meal and spend time family (and experience daily life). I went to have my haircut in a local salon in Jeswang (short walk from the compound) 75D = £2 (approx).
The exchange rate differs daily, during our stay it was 37 – 38.50D to the £.
There are plenty of places to exchange money, best rate is always for CASH.
Cashpoints are very busy, not that commonplace (usually have a taxi, to find one working).
Photos on Flickr = http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/sets/72157612742009043/
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Start as we mean to go on !! (BUSY)
Got home from The Gambia, on Thursday night/ Friday Morning. (stayed at a Travelodge, in Reading, on the way home, to Wales).
Got in and NO answer machine messages - WOO HOO, but plenty of mail and (hundreds of)emails.
It was Fantastic to meet our Gambian Freinds, again.
We are classed as one of the locals.
Got hundreds of photos to sort through and upload, for now I have uploaded some short video clips to youtube
http://uk.youtube.com/my_videos
Will post a detailed report of the trip as soon as I can put the text together.
by the way, the temperature was 28 degrees by 8.30 am and risin rapidly. On most afternoons topping the late 30`s
Got in and NO answer machine messages - WOO HOO, but plenty of mail and (hundreds of)emails.
It was Fantastic to meet our Gambian Freinds, again.
We are classed as one of the locals.
Got hundreds of photos to sort through and upload, for now I have uploaded some short video clips to youtube
http://uk.youtube.com/my_videos
Will post a detailed report of the trip as soon as I can put the text together.
by the way, the temperature was 28 degrees by 8.30 am and risin rapidly. On most afternoons topping the late 30`s
