The Beach and El Presidente's Birthday!

Sunday, 24 May - Moving to Leybato in Fajara...

It is currently tourist off season in The Gambia, so as you can imagine, many lodges, hotels etc are quite empty. Leybato bar and restaurant also has about 20 guest rooms, with full bathrooms and a fridge. Megan and Justin started work on a community garden project in Sanyang, so moved into the village leaders house.
Adam, Jordan and I decided to upgrade our living location from the YMCA to Leybato. The move also included getting cheaper rent, a much more appreciable Western breakfast, and living on the Beach!!!

Eagerly we hit the beach as soon as we put our stuff inside our room (we were all sharing one room/bathroom). From the moment we were walking from our room, to the moment we came back we were approached by everyone. Fajara is one of the tourist areas and beaches. Being that it is off season, not only is cheaper rent available, but it also means that there are less toubab's (white persons) to sell to. People are more so desperate to make a sale, and are willing to follow you down the beach trying to convince you if need be. Everyone also offers to be your friend, and help show you around, for just a show of your good heart in Dalasi (the local currency) form. This was our first real experience to having this everywhere we went from then on. It gets quite annoying to be honest. On the beaches, there are also bumsters. Bumsters are unemployed (often young men) who harrass or befriend tourists for money, presents, or a passport out of the country. We have had quite a few 'friendship' offers since our arrival in Fajara (and most other places we go).
All this aside, the beaches are gorgeous white sand, the ocean water is warm, the sun is always shining and there is always a cool breeze!

Monday, 25th May - Happy birthday Mr. President!

So it turned out that the Monday we were intending to start work was actually a national holiday. President Jammeh celebrated his 44th birthday, and the nation joined with many parties and celebrations. There are billboards all through Serrekunda and Banjul (probably elsewhere) saying happy birthday.
Since President Jammeh has obtained power, the country has seen dramatic results for the people. Roadways are being paved and improved (street lights are being installed), local television is available, tourism industry has boomed, and the list continues.
President Jammeh has also developed a HIV/AIDS treatment programme. Using herbs, and a special ceremony he treats patients for HIV/AIDS and many other ailments. Safe sex practices are also widely campaigned through the country!
The people only have good things to say about President Jammeh from what I have heard. A lady from Sierra Leone even told us that they would like to borrow President Jammeh for a few years to get their country in order.

The national holiday for Adam, Jordan and myself...it meant another Beach Day, much to Adam's dismay!