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The Gambian
Experience
When we went on our holidays to The Gambia we didn't know what to expect,
but we had a great time.
We stayed in The Atlantic Hotel in Banjul. It was a lovely hotel. The
place was spotless all the time and the staff were very friendly and
helpful. They worked very hard - when they weren't cleaning they were
entertaining you.
During the day they organised games at and in the pool. They are really
fit people. We took part in the games. It was a good laugh. There were
different games every day except water basketball - that was played every
afternoon. The Gambians against the guests. The Gambians won every
time! They were really good at it as they played it every day during the
season.
In the evening during dinner and after dinner they entertained as well
with their own music, drums and dances. It was really good to watch. We
thoroughly enjoyed it.
One morning we went out to see what the place and the people were like.
We had a guide with us to keep us safe from the begging and haggling. If
we were there longer I think we would have gone out on our own.
We walked to the market. It was very colourful, crowded and very warm.
You felt sorry for them just sitting there trying to earn a living. They
had their children with them as well. It was very sad. It was their own
produce so they were constantly working, trying to sell their goods which
were: oranges, pineapples, melons, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pasta and
rice. They don't have the variety that we have.
The fish was in a different part of the market. We didn't go there but we
could smell it! It wasn't very pleasant. Their meals consisted mostly of
rice and fish. They didn't have any fridges or storage for their food so
they bought their food daily.
The meals in the hotel were excellent and they were plentiful. In the
morning you could have cereal with goats' milk (yuk), fruit, bread,
cheese, cold meat or a cooked breakfast. For a drink you could have
coffee, tea or orange juice.
In the evenings you could have fruit, soup and bread for your starter and
then you could choose from a wide selection of salads which was my
favourite. Then you could have sweet potatoes, sprouts, carrots and
broccoli with lamb, steak, pork, beef, chicken or a variety of fish. My
husband tried it and said it was okay but the kids and I didn't try it.
There were plenty of lovely sweet dishes but not as good as ours. My son
loved them. That was his favourite, that and the barbeque night.
We had a birthday cake for my daughter's birthday. The waitresses
brought it out and we sang happy birthday to her. You should of seen their
faces, the excitement and the expressions. It was a picture you
would never forget. I had to take a photo of them and gave what was
left of the cake to them.
It was a very relaxing holiday. The weather, the beach, the pool, the
people were just brilliant.
We may go back some day...
Sarah, Blantyre. |
Webmaster replies
I hope you do go back because it sounds
great.
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Sarah's article. |
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