Today we have a guest post from Tony Knight. Tony is a travel journalist, broadcaster and photographer and was a regular contributor to the Classic FM Travel Guide programme; he’s also reported on BBC Radio 4, UK local and commercial radio. He has travelled extensively in Thailand where his parents-in-law live in rural Isan – and he owns a Paddy Field ! Tony has been to the Gambia a few times now, and as you’ll see from this post (and a couple of others we have lined up!) he’s ventured out and about in The Gambia and rather fallen for the old place…

Eyes and smiles in The Gambia. Image by Tony Knight.

On the way from Banjul airport, with a bewildering melange of African life passing by the coach window, you’ll doubtless be told that you’ve landed on the Smiling Coast of Africa. Strangely enough, it’s true. The Gambians you meet are friendly and engaging. There is a level of bumster activity intent of selling you refreshments, gifts and tours. Having got their measure though, look beyond at the genuine welcome you get everywhere.

My first visit only lasted a tantilising 72 hours, but it was just enough to make me want to return. I was kept busy visiting Makasutu, Tanji fishing village and got a glimpse of Gambian village life and a Nursery School, where our small group of journalists enjoyed a song of welcome. Everywhere are colourfully dressed women, proud, elegant and obviously in control. A ripple of comment precedes you as you walk between the markets stalls, especially if you have a camera. The jungle telegraph is instant, like sentinels word spreads – Toubab, no photo ! unlike the Thais who love to be photographed.

At Tanji fishing village... Image by Tony Knight.

In May this year I returned for 7 days. I’d really recommend getting out and about independently for some of the time. An invitation to a Gambian home can be a rewarding experience. I travelled into what passes as the ‘ leafy ‘ suburbs, a sprawling development of unmade roads, which become a quagmire in the winter rains. Gambian families live in compounds of several family groups in mutual support. There I met Sally and her newly born daughter. Conditions are basic with many local businesses, hair salons, electrical goods, video and CD shops, dressmakers and the ubiquitous Fula or corner shops. These really reflect the economy of an area and are owned by members of the Fula people.

A slice of village life. Image by Tony Knight

I visited a shop with wire netting on the counter, rather like a post office counter. Batteries were charged; cigarettes and rice dispensed in small quantities. Some of these shops are undercapitalised and they are unable to buy stock in large enough wholesale quantities to make a decent profit. In short, these are social services rather than businesses and goods are sold at affordable prices. They are the centre of the community, rather like village shops in the UK. Business is best in the New Year when relatives send money from abroad and at festival times when parties and celebrations are held. Any visit to Gambia is memorable and it was reassuring that when I was delayed by the effects of the volcanic activity, Gambia Experience, gathered guests from around the resorts and looked after them until they were able to fly back.

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