Monkeys, Markets, and Sand, Oh My!

So I've been in The Gambia for a month now, which I think is unbelievable. Where have I gone so far?

The first place we went was Bijilo Forest Park, which is on the other side of Serrekunda from where we live. It's pretty neat because monkeys live there and don't mind the tourists. The forest is thick there, which showed us how this area looked before all of the recent development/deforestation.

The Banjul market is another touristy place we went the first week. It basically consists of many rows of little stands along the streets selling various items, fabric shops, and an area of only shops with tarps overhead and no roads. The last section is like a maze and reminds me of being underground. There are two main markets in this area, and the Banjul market is where most of the tourists go, so locals try very hard to sell to tourists. People followed me trying to sell necklaces and sunglasses. Also, beware because the price they give at first will be much higher than it should be, especially for tourists. We wanted to buy fabric. For 12 meters, they offered a price of 1200 dalasis (US $40); a good price would have been less than 400 dalasis.

The other main market is the Serrekunda market, where most locals shop. We still get harassed more than Gambians, but it's not as bad as the Banjul market. Also, no matter which market I'm shopping at, it's good to have a Gambian friend who can help negotiate and knows how much things should cost.

We've also been to 3 different beaches. The student union at our university set up a really fun picnic for us at Paradise Beach in Sanyang. That is my favorite beach so far because it's more deserted and out in the wilderness. Bakau is a decent beach, but I've heard there are lots of bumsters there. Our regular beach is at Leybato in Fajara. There's a good restaurant and shaded pavilions right by the beach, but the best part about Leybato is the hammocks.

The last touristy place I've been in The Gambia so far is Arch 22, in Banjul. It commemorates the present government's takeover on July 22, 1994. There are nice views of the city. Usually there's a museum, but when we were there, it was being renovated.

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