Before the Gambia

Hey everyone!

Here's my first post before I go to Africa, kind of as a test run to make sure it's working!

So, I'm going to study abroad at the University of the Gambia, along with 5 others from my college, in its capital, Banjul, and I have no idea what to expect. The country is about 90% Muslim, and as the country is in Africa, people will mostly be Black, and I'll be in the minority at least two ways, so I think that will be a big switch. What else? I've packed a lot of skirts, due to both the warm weather and cultural expectations for what modest women wear. I rarely (I mean rarely) wear skirts here at home, so that will be strange for me. I'm kind of a tomboy.

Also, I'll be living with fellow students from my flagship college in a house, so it will be like "The Real World" from MTV. Just kidding, I hope there won't be so much drama, but we're going to fit 6 people in 2 bedrooms, so we'll see. They all seem laid back, as I think I am, so we should fit in to the Gambia's more carefree (or so I've heard) lifestyle.

Things I think I'll miss most:
-my family
-my friends, at home and at school
-driving
-internet access readily available
-electricity always working
-my favorite foods

How did I get ready?
-shots for tetanus, polio, hepatitis, and yellow fever
-pills for typhoid
-ongoing pills for malaria
-a lot of shopping for skirts etc.
-reading about this awesome country in which I'll be living

Things I'll do while I'm here (hopefully):
-take classes - Drama in Society, Economic History of West Africa, Peace and Conflict Studies, Gender and Development, and a Gambian culture course
-do an internship (but I don't know what yet)
-play soccer?
-go to the beach
-make new friends
-learn about the Gambia and learn some of the local language
-see some cool animals (monkeys and crocodiles at least)

Random fact: Why is it "the Gambia" and not "Gambia"? Some people have told me it's because Zambia is also in Africa, and that would get confusing, so they added the "the" to differentiate.

So, I'll post again once I get a little settled in Africa next week! Hopefully I'll have some exciting travel stories, especially since I've never been on a plane before. I'll miss all you Americans, and the Ecuadorian, and the German (my roomie). Love you all and peace until next time.

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