So, I have been in Banjul for almost four days now, and is it what I wanted or hoped it would be? Very much so! Came in on Sunday and I am still amazed at the simplicity and sweetness of the Gambian people. Such a welcome relief from the madness of Las gidi.With due respect to the Gambians, they make me feel like I am back in the 80’s, simpler times I dare say, when I was a kid and had nothing to worry about.
I am lounging on the private beach in my hotel as I type this, most of the tourists are out of the country at this time, and the hotel staff keep explaining that it’s a bit too quiet in an apologetic tone as this was their low season in tourism, and I am thinking, "guys if I wanted chaos, madness and lots of people, I would be in Lagos or gone to London!"
This peace and calm is what I crave so badly in my life right now and would not trade it for anything.
I only just got a sim yesterday, and I have made only one call… to my folks, every other person will have to make do with the communication on my BBM.
I cant remember the last time I was away from my phone for this long. After the piece I wrote some months ago titled “No, you can not be my best Friend” which was a message to my Blackberry, I had taken of the sounds permanently from my phones, so I only do stuff on my phone when I want to and not because it demands my attention like a clingy child. But even that act can not be compared to this feeling of “phonelessness".
I am lounging on the private beach in my hotel as I type this, most of the tourists are out of the country at this time, and the hotel staff keep explaining that it’s a bit too quiet in an apologetic tone as this was their low season in tourism, and I am thinking, "guys if I wanted chaos, madness and lots of people, I would be in Lagos or gone to London!"
This peace and calm is what I crave so badly in my life right now and would not trade it for anything.
I only just got a sim yesterday, and I have made only one call… to my folks, every other person will have to make do with the communication on my BBM.
I cant remember the last time I was away from my phone for this long. After the piece I wrote some months ago titled “No, you can not be my best Friend” which was a message to my Blackberry, I had taken of the sounds permanently from my phones, so I only do stuff on my phone when I want to and not because it demands my attention like a clingy child. But even that act can not be compared to this feeling of “phonelessness".I kept saying I wish I could go to simpler times, times I did’nt have so much worries and responsibilities, times almost forgotten and I am so grateful to this lovely little Gambia, the smiling cost of Africa for giving me this lovely piece of heaven.
It strange that I have been to bigger and more developed countries and they never inspired me to write, they were always just some other country, but this place makes me feel good and any vacation spot that can do that is worth talking about.
I will keep you updated on the places I have visited, things I have learnt and what I have been up to on this series called My Banjul Experience.Lets hope the pictures look half as good on this blog as they do in reality…okay, too much work and writing jare, let me put on some sunscreen and try and catch some sleep right here on the beach where all I hear is the wind and the sea.
If some of you could see me now you would lovingly hate me out of jealousy. LOL
