The Gambia, our 84th country, is difficult to describe, but let's try! First, you are greeted with smiles, waves, and joy. Our hearts were full from the second we set foot on the beautiful soil of The Gambia. Gambians are famed for their hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. Geographically, it is the smallest country in continental Africa. The Gambia is often referred to as the "Smiling Coast of Africa".
We were honestly astonished at the contrast from the country prior - Senegal, where the borders were so close by. The intensity had transitioned to appreciation and pure joy. Locals were proud and incredibly unpolluted despite the sad realities they faced as a nation. 48.6 per cent of the population lives in poverty, we felt safe, and The Gambia is definitely on the list to return and support.
We eagerly jumped on our open-air truck, ready for a day of exploration on our excursion with Regent Seven Seas 'Off The Beaten Track - 4 Wheel Adventure' with our delightful guide, Alex.
First, we travelled through Banjul and then ascended to the most populated area, Serrekunda. The sun was rising over the largest market in the region, and people were crowding quickly to purchase their daily essentials or wait to hitch a ride to work or school in the city, about 40 minutes from their homes. We have always said a smile and a wave go a long way, and these were abundant throughout the day; it was infectious.
We soon arrived at a local museum called Tanji Village Museum, where we quickly did our token walk-through before hunting out a local coffee shop; a kind local from a nearby hardware shop soon helped us out to encourage the local restaurant to open up and make us our morning fix, he joined us from afar to make sure the kind ladies were able to convert our US currency, of which they had never seen, fortunately our eSIM courtesy of our reliable Airalo to help convince them USD 10 was plentiful for our two coffees, and we all left smiling.
The museum was followed by a visit to a wine palm tapper in Tujereng beach, where we observed the process of how they collect the sap from palms to make wine and experienced a palm wine and jungle juice demonstration and tasting, which I think we will leave them with their local delicacy:-)
We were super excited about our next visit to a local primary school in Sanyang village called Sanyang Lower Basic School. After visiting Cambodian schools, we were prepared and had a package of books and coloured pencils to give to the school. Unfortunately, our luggage didn't permit 2500 sets, one for each student, so we asked the teacher to use them as she felt best and to share them amongst the kids.
The experience was difficult to describe. First, the kids were immaculately dressed in their school uniforms and had the biggest smiles. The conditions were somewhat dire compared to what we were all fortunate to grow up with, but knowing the kids have the opportunity and support of the community to stay in school until year 9 provides some solace. It also reminds you that every contribution, regardless of size, goes a long way toward helping them achieve their goal.
After our school lesson led by the headmaster, we interacted with the kids, and all had a blast. The kids were overjoyed to get their pictures taken, and we eagerly shared them so they could see themselves.
They have an integrated education system, sending students to college after high school to learn the essentials of helping the country. Then, they can be placed in roles or industries to help the country become more sustainable.
The headmaster who spoke believes that when you educate one woman, you are educating the whole family, so it is very important for women to return to school. Early arranged marriages are common in The Gambia, and they often fail, so women have the opportunity to go back. 23.1% of girls in The Gambia marry or enter a union before age 18, and 5.6% marry before age 15.
Being 85% Muslim, they blend the children and are religious tolerant in the school, and only English is spoken, along with all holidays celebrated together.
Following the school visit, we experienced a home visit to a local traditional family compound where a family of generations lived together. It was humbling to see. We loved chatting with the older kids and were super proud to meet one lovely young lady who worked on a cruise ship and was on break.
Following these emotional visits, we travelled through a small village and the super unpaved bumpy back roads to arrive at a beach resort called Rainbow Beach in Sanyang Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. We were treated to a delicious meal; the local fish was the best yet!! Even Wayne went back for seconds of the fish.
The beach was vast and very clean, and many Western tourists were on vacation, which was a welcome sight after our experience in Dakar.
Following our delicious lunch and downtime by the magnificent Atlantic Ocean, we all were back on the truck heading for the ship. Partway through, we stopped as one of our fellow trucks had a mishap with the tyre. So we squeezed the guests onto our spare seats and were soon bidding farewell to our lovely new friends from The Gambia, promising to stay in touch and continue building new friendships and staying connected.
It is a day we hold very close to our hearts, and feeling grateful for the warmth of all the locals for sharing their beautiful country with us. Thank you, Alex and Regent Cruises for the opportunity to visit Africa's smallest gem; The Gambia.
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