Pros and Cons - Part 2

Following on from last week's post, I'm using this blog entry to focus on some of the positives of life in The Gambia. Enjoy...

Inter-faith relations - This was the first time I lived in a predominantly Muslim country, an experience in its own right. I could go on for hours about poligamy (a widespread practice in The Gambia), or how it felt to have Arabic prayers being the soundtrack to much of my daily life. However, what I'd like to focus on in this blog is one of the success stories for The Gambia - the way in which religions respect each other. Whilst The Gambia is largely Muslim, it is still home to many Christians. One hears a lot about the problems and tensions between religious communities around the world (and even closer to home, in the UK), so I was curious as to how the communities would interact. All the guidebooks state that Gambia is a peace loving nation, in which everyone gets on. I'm delighted to say that generally this seems to be true. Muslims and Christians do get on, and their religion is not a barrier for friendship. Many Christians join their Muslim friends to share in Islamic festivals, and the vast majority of Muslims are happy to join Christians in their celebration on Christmas. There is real friendship there, and a great deal of respect. Gambia has a lot to teach the world in this regard.

Life in the countryside - I'm generally a real sucker for the simple life, and really enjoy time out in the countryside. The Gambian countryside is particularly beautiful, full of flora and fauna. My encounters with crocodiles and monkeys were particular highlights, but really every chance I got to get close to nature was special. It's such a shame that most people's holidays in the Gambia revolve around the beach resorts and the city's bars. If any of you get the chance to go to The Gambia, make sure you go for a trek up country!

Connections - Gambian people really do seem to support each other, and place a lot of importance on friendships and family. Everyone seems to stick together, and much time is spent doing work around the house/compound as a family. People will stop in the street to find out how their neighbours are doing, and if anyone needs help with something the locals will generally rally round. It is a refreshing change from the lack of community that we can sometimes feel in the West. As a toubab I was not able to fully integrate myself into this culture, but it really does seem special from the "outside looking in".

Tapalapas! - my daily bread. I would indulge in a filled "tapalapa" baguette most days, and just thinking of them now makes me start to salivate! My local vendors would provide a range of delicious fillings, from fishballs to spicy beans. The "breakfast bap" of scrambled eggs, onion and stock cube scratchings was a particular favourite. And all for the price of about 30p (approximately half an American dollar). I also developed an unhealthy love of coffee with condensed milk - super sweet and super delicious, but my dentist would not be happy... Whilst living on a Gambian diet for life would not be healthy (vegetables are few and far between), it was actually quite satisfying. I hope a tapalapa shack will open up soon in the UK!


So, many things for me to take back home and ponder about. Thank you Gambia for sharing so much with me! And many thanks to you all for journeying along with me the last few months. Lots of love and a big hug,


Robert