Serekunda.... But not for long
Trip Start
Jan 30, 2008
1
13
27
Trip End
Jun 23, 2008
Serekunda,
Gambia
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
wow, let me just say that my experience here is hard to put in words. I've been here since Thursday night (so four nights), a lot of adjusting. I'm staying at jori's compound with the rest of her friends from St Mary's (nice range of them... some from undergrad, others from Mary's masters of teaching program). There is also another college from PA here with a nice range of students to hang out with.
The four days have included a day at the local beach(the sun is intense, and the water is beautiful, the beaches are so vast and so different then anything ive ever experienced), a lot of exploring the local area, exchanging money(takes literally 2hours and the dollar is dropping hourly), changing our original plans to travel south because of tribal fighting and instead traveling east(VERY east, into Senegal), trying out some unique restaurants(my stomach is not happy but ill save you guys from the details), meeting tons of new people that Jori has gotten exposed to, and lots of other fun stuff. Everything in the Gambia takes 3 xs as long. Getting around is a challenge(5x5s and bush taxis[vans] are great... pretty much a normal taxis/vans that runs a certain route and only costs 5D/25us cents), and there is tonnnnns of walking. It is hot, and I mean hot, I haven't stopped sweating since I got here but the nights have been pretty cool so it's enjoyable. People keep saying that isn't not actually hot and I know I can last the next 1.5weeks but im not sure how Jori will last 5freaking months. The people are great here, very friendly, tons of starring and yelling tobab (white man)... but you take it in stride and smile at everyone. There are some tourists/peace core/other "tobabs" around but it's a rarity to see people walking around away from the tourists' places. The tourist "places"(beaches, markets, etc) have some bumsters who can get intense but fast walking really helps. I don't know how people who don't have a connection (aka, a girlfriend who has been here and knows the area) get a real Gambia experience. BTW, the markets are amazing.... woodworks, crafts, etc. Don't worry; gifts will be purchased for everyone! I don't know what else to say but it's been amazing and the people are so interesting here. Stories will be told latter... for now, I must put up the info about where Jori and I will be for the next 7days. Hope all is well, With LOVE!
The next seven days:
Jori and i will be leaving from Serekunda early AM tomorrow(tuesday 18th), Were traveling by bush taxi east to Georgetown (JangJang-bureh). Were trying to get there around 5pm. People have said some funny stories and variations in times in getting out there(between 6-10hours. Were staying at a great place, called Baobolong Camp(Momodou Salish, 9865199), suppose to beautifully set aside from the town on the river, small bungalows on Tuesday night. Early Wednesday, were getting up and heading east from George town to Basse Santa Su, Crossing the boarder into Senegal, switching SIM cards, getting our french mouths out and ready, heading to Velingara(boarder city) and then connecting to Tambacounda(which is east Senegal's major city, on the train from Dakar to Mali. Were then going to be faced with a choice, either proceed into the nature reserve that afternoon/night and stay at our final destination in the middle of the park or stay in Tambacounda. It depends on timing, the place were staying thursday night is called Hotel De Simeti(9823650), and if we can stay/get in safety to the park(need special vehicles because of the terrain and lions) then we'll stay wednesday aswell. If not, were staying in Tambacounda(not sure yet) wednesday and early morning heading into the park, then our hotel. The hotel is amazing, its in the middle of the largest nature reserve of western africa, right by a huge watering hole with a great view of animals drinking. Hopefully it will protect against the lions :-). Then were turning west and heading back, the same way we came, but this time were going to spend friday night in Tendaba Camp(Very highly rated place with a beautiful pool and amazing vies of the Kiang West national park, in gambia. Saturday morning were getting a taxi from Soma to Kartong for an amazing festival all weekend long with yoga, drumming, dancing, wrestling, etc. Jori surprised me with an amazing booking at this eco lodge(Boboi Beach Lodge, 7776736) that is 100% solar, recycles everything, organic natural veggie food, Right on the beach! Very excited, we'll also meet up with jori's friends here... Pat(From St MArys) and Allison(from PA). Sunday night we ight stay there again if the festival is good. We'll decide when were down there. We might stay in Gunjul(alittle north), and then head home on monday. Jori's cell number is (220 - all gambian numbers listed above, not sure senegal is) - 7310956. We dont know the number in senegal yet when we switch sim cards. Please dont worry, were spent the past 3days talking to gambians, seneglese, Peacecore people, friends, etc and all have provided some great info. All the guidebooks have outdated numbers(thanks rough guide and Lonely planet!)/info but we had some great connects. We love you all and will try and post when we get a chance. Love!
Comments
exciting....
good luck! what stories!