Banjul, The Gambia ... "It's Africa"

 Banjul, The Gambia ... "It's Africa"

May 1, 2024

It’s May Day here in The Gambia and because of the British influence, it is a holiday and a lot of people are out and about.  Schools are out, markets are open, and it’s hotter than the hinges on the gates of hades here.  And I said that correctly, it is The Gambia.  It is how they want to be called. Afterall, it's Africa.

The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa, and has a population of 2.7 million people.  It is completely surrounded by Senegal and is only open on the western side where the coastline offers great beaches.  We had a pretty busy day as we drove around the city of Banjul and saw the sights.  Let me say first of all that Banjul is another very poor country.  Peanuts are their biggest export.  Alex Haley’s book, Roots, was based here as this is the home of the fictional Kunta Kinte.

One of the biggest problems in The Gambia is the lack of human rights when it comes to women.  Torture and harsh or cruel mistreatment by or on behalf of the government including FGM has been a part of this society.  It is only recently that this practice has begun to be banned.  Education has only recently been afforded to women too which exacerbates the situation.  

Our tour guide today is one young lady who has struggled to and has defeated this mistreatment of women.   She is an outstanding example of someone who has prioritized her education as the most important part of her life.  A very impressive young lady who has worked her way thru school and is starting to see the benefits.  She has 3 more years of school but she is determined to get there.  Her English is impeccable. She asserted herself over some men when they challenged her.  Vialula and I are very impressed by her.  Her name is CeCe.  We think we will hear great things from her in the future.

So, our day started out by going to the National Museum.  While it is a bit rudimentary by today's standards, it is a showcase of the history of The Gambia complete with old musical instruments, art, ancient Kumpo warrior costumes and many more items which depict life in Africa’s past.  

We next headed to a large monument out in the center of the road called the “Never Again Arch” It was built in 1996 to celebrate the military coop which ousted the then democratic leader Dawda Jawara.  It is now more recognized as a monument to the plight of women and their struggle for equality and an end to the abuses they suffered.

A quick stop at a local mosque where the goats roam freely and look for some grass to eat.  The mosque was closed so a couple of quick pictures and we moved on.  

We visited a “factory” where batiks were hand painted and large tie-dyed sheets, tablecloths, etc. were on display for purchase.  Some of them were quite impressive. Even Vi worked on one!

Our fun stop for the day was Bijilo Forest Park to see the monkeys.  Red Colobus monkeys and Green monkeys were everywhere, and they are quite used to humans being right up next to them.  Hopefully with peanuts or bananas to give them.

A quick stop for a small refreshment of some local cuisine and a delicious drink called Wanjo which is made from a local flower for Vi.  And of course, a beer for me. 

Our last stop was to go see Charlie which is the king of the crocodiles at the Kachikally Crocodile Pool and museum.  Here they have several dozen crocs of various sizes and ages.  The big tourist draw is that let you “pet” one in a controlled environment.   I’m thinking that the control is a tranquilizer because that thing didn’t move a muscle.  Vialula took her turn.

Like I said, it was a busy day and we say goodbye to our last African stop on the mainland. 

We now turn west and head out to Cape Verde before we turn for home.  Right at one week left before we call this adventure complete.  Stay with us as we finish up.  A quick stop in San Juan and then home.   Going to try to show you some pictures of the ship we have called home for the last 4 months.  Stay tuned.

 

LeRoy and Vialula