Before the Gambia

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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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Photos

The girls
Hanging at college

Me and Mern
Hanging at college

Christmas Games
Roomie and I

Comments

[Christa, the crazy roommate from Germany]

Hey Sweety! I love it. Weblogs are so cool. I hope you keep it updated.

[Jolene]

Dude
Oh chica! I miss you soo much already. And you didn't even leave yet! Oh, this is going to be a crazy few months for me. Anyway, I hope you have (or are having if your reading this while in THE Gambia) an awesome experience. I can't wait to hear all about it. I don't know how to close this. I can't say see you later, well I could, but later would mean almost 4 months, and that just doesn't seem right. Anyway, I'll be thinking about you often. Remeber, JUST SAY NO! ~Jolene

[Jamie]

<3
Do you have to go!?!??!?!?

[marionjw]

Update this! I desperately want news - but Im sure youre having a blast. I miss it! Hows the beach at leybato? Sigh... MISS YOU!!

[Christa - again]

Update?
Hey - We are missing you and I am checking this page every day and I am waiting for an update!

[Loora]

There's just so much to write. I'm trying, but I never have time, but now I can go online at my internship, so I'm getting there. Miss you! Hope Belgium's okay and tell me about your internship.

[Loora]

Sorry Chirsta, I'm trying to get a chance to go online! I have to figure out what to write about! Maybe tomorrow! Today I'm putting pics on!

[Jolene]

Pics?
So where are these pictures you speak of?

[Loora]

In the gallery. Go to www.travelblog.org/bloggers/loora and then I have a gallery. Click it, and there are some pics, but not a lot b/c it takes forever to upload them.

[Chooch and Willis]

more, more, more!
I know the internet is hard to get to at the Gambia, but with all we are hearing about you doing, expected to see some more exciting photos....Laura winning the best karyoke prize etc..... Keep having fun but work hard like you always do too... Love you bye