Introducing Gambia... We arrived after our 6 hour flight to the warm and welcoming Gambia. Upon arrival, smiles light up all the locals' faces and you are greeted with genuine passion and friendliness. The border control officers, along with all other airport staff were ready and willing to welcome us to their country. Eager too, were the baggage attendants - and so it began... They barged through crowds of confused looking Brits, and immediately gestured toward bags and suitcases, often physically removing passengers' baggage whilst simultaneously ushering them along; all the while, making small talk about the journey over, the already booked hotel and general holiday plans. We spotted a couple of confused looking passengers who could do nothing to avoid the tip-dependent baggage attendants. We too, became victims of this - although we did manage to take our own suitcases as far as the exit. We were tired from an early start and not in the mood to argue against hasslers, so allowed the very friendly keen looking man to guide us to our coach transfer, before handing him 100 Dalasis - unaware of whether this was good or bad (but had a rough idea this equated to about a British pound). An angry looking driver, who was arranging the suitcases in the hold of the coach gave us a stern look and held out a handful of pound coins as he muttered something forcefully at us. Neither of us had a clue what he was saying, so waited to see that he put our cases on, and then boarded the coach... For about a thirty minute wait in the hot, non air-conditioned vehicle. Eurgh.
The journey took about twenty minutes. After passing several locals, donkeys, chickens and make-shift shacks along the dry, dusty sand, we arrived at out hotel - which was basic to say the least. After a quick wash and change of clothes, we headed out. Having taken no more than about 10 steps out of the hotel gates, a man started yelling, albeit in a friendly tone, after us. We had had some training in Thailand at this, and just ignored the man and walked along. However, he was determined. He ended up walking with, and talking at us for over 10 minutes! To be fair, he did give us some handy tips and sort of gave out bearings, but we just wanted to get a pizza in a nearby restaurant which was run by an Italian guy, and two lovely Gambian waitresses. So the man, whose name was Ed, (although he called himself 'idi') left us with his business card as he explained that he wanted tourists to support the Gambian people, whereby they use the services of local Gambians. His point was fair, but trust was a difficult thing when we had been so used to being ripped off in the past. No tip for him, until much later that evening. He had run straight over pretty much as soon as we finished our meal and walked for about another 20 minutes with us to the beach and then all the way to the end of the beach where the local people were all playing a huge game of football, or independently and very regimentally engaging in what looked like boot camp exercises.
We saw how friendly Idi was around the locals who all stopped to say hello to us, and questioned the trust and friendliness of the local people. He explained that most people here are Muslims and that Muslims are friendly. He also commented how here, they are very poor, but also very happy because everybody is smiling - something we came to realise almost instantly. So we gave him 100 Dalasis and told him we wanted to have a romantic walk - he understood, and went on his way.
On our way back, we came across two 'juice guys' who were keen to engage. Pa was one of the men, and he invited us for a Saturday beach session. His aim was to sell us fresh fruit juice, but invited us to play cards with them also. He too, claimed to be a tour guide, and offered a trip too. But he was a joker, and so was his friend, and they seemed to just have a humorous and friendly vibe to them - needless to say we were making friends. Overall, shocking but enjoyable first day in The Gambia
