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
# posted by ALAN - ROYGBIV @ 2:58 AM 
Comments:
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Alan
Thanks for the blog, we are going to the the Holiday Beach Club in March, it will be my first trip to Gambia, Africa also, and looking foward to it. What security did the hotel have for keeping travellers cheques/passport. Was there any trouble with mozzies, would I need to bring a net along?
Many thanks
Roy
Thanks for the blog, we are going to the the Holiday Beach Club in March, it will be my first trip to Gambia, Africa also, and looking foward to it. What security did the hotel have for keeping travellers cheques/passport. Was there any trouble with mozzies, would I need to bring a net along?
Many thanks
Roy
Glad to help
Have a look at Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293794-i9249-Gambia.html
GREAT advice ( and a review of HBC, click on my name)
my photo album http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
check out all the Gambia sets.
HBC have safes in the reception (not in the room)
we had suncream with repelant. Used sprays, but we didnt see any, most ae usually at night
Alan
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Have a look at Tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293794-i9249-Gambia.html
GREAT advice ( and a review of HBC, click on my name)
my photo album http://www.flickr.com/photos/alanroygbiv/
check out all the Gambia sets.
HBC have safes in the reception (not in the room)
we had suncream with repelant. Used sprays, but we didnt see any, most ae usually at night
Alan
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