Home again

After a bumpy flight we are now back home in Blighty and suitably immersed in the reality of having to go back to work to pay those bills!! However, as is customary I like to summarise the things I have learnt on my adventures and share them with you all.



The sun setting from our bedroom.....an arty visual metaphor!

 Food and Drink

1. All inclusive does not actually mean all inclusive!

2. If you order chicken here be prepared for chicken on the bone

3. Wanjo juice (local juice) is a great mixer for vodka based cocktails (and a great way to get cocktails on your "all inclusive package")

Culture

1. Gambian people are perhaps the happiest people on the world.

1.1. Yaya the bartender is the happiest person in The Gambia, thereby making him the happiest person in the world.

2. A Gambian river trip to fort James Island will seem to take an eternity - thankfully there was beer on board!!

3. Children make use of all manner of rubbish. My empty water bottles became impromptu drums for the children to entertain the next group of tourists.

4. The amount of Delasis you get for your £1 makes for an impressive Del Boy wad of cash.



The children used my empty bottles to *drum* up some business.
The one on the left is a relation of Cousin It from the Addams family!



Look at my wad!!

Climate

1. The weather here is deceptive. a wind can make it seem cool while in fact you are burning yourself to a crisp.

2. Sarah does not like Gambian evenings outdoors - too chilly!!

Wildlife

1. 50% DEET Jungle formula does not deter Gambian Mosquitoes; having a Sarah next to you does!

2. Magpies here are black, like crows and the crows here are black and white like magpies. 

3. Make sure you bring your own loo roll to Lamin Lodge, otherwise you will be regretting it!

4. You cant get any good wildlife shots with an iPhone.

Green Wood Hoopoe in the tree. See if you can find him? The
limitations of the iPhone for twitching!!



The General showing us his commando skills....

Anyway that is all for another year (which promises to be a very hectic and busy one!), so it is time for me to sign out. I hope you enjoyed the blog, and keep your eyes out for the next one.