My second week in The Gambia (and final week of ICT training) started with a trip to Ndemban which lies 75 kilometres east of Banjul. The trip was arranged by the VSO to give us an opportunity to visit an up-country Gambian village. The area we're currently in (known as the Kombos) is part of the coastal tourist industry and doesn't reflect the country as a whole. We received an incredibly friendly welcome from the villagers (and this is saying something as Gambians generally are very welcoming). The day started with prayers and a meeting with the village elders & imam held in their in-village school classroom. After quite a few Pringles/digestive biscuits we began a 5km guided walk through the local agricultural area viewing fields of rice, ground nut and various fruit crops. As we returned to the village the heavens opened as we experienced a true tropical deluge, luckily we made it back to the classroom just in time. We then experienced our first "food-bowl" - our hosts had prepared a selection of local dishes which we shared using a spoon each (no plates). As we're still in Ramadan the villages members couldn't eat with us as they were fasting from sunrise to sunset. Plans for a display of dancing & other local celebrations were also postponed (we were invited back at a later date).
In the middle of the week we returned to the Afrimed centre (the hospital that the VSO uses for volunteers) for our blood groups to be taken for our VSO ID cards - it turns out I have B+ rg which is twice as popular in Africa than Europe! Whilst we're talking about health I need to warn people about Wonjo juice. Widely available in cafes this hibiscus flower based drink (which tastes wonderful) has alarming laxative properties - not something you need in your first fortnight in Africa!
The remainder of this week has been taken up with Mandinka training - my quote from last week you'll be glad to learn translates as "How is work?" "Work is here only" "slowly, slowly"! I passed my exam at the end of the week thanks to Alhaji's excellent teaching combined with my payment of his taxi fare back from the Serrekunda market!
As I'm not required to ride a motorbike at my placement (although I'll see if I can) I have next week off as bike training is taking place. I'm scheduled to leave for Mansa Konko on September 7th - this gives me plenty of time to purchase the necessary buckets & pots and pans for my new home. It'll also give me the opportunity to explore the local area a little more (including crocodile pits) and visit Banjul properly.
