Happy Anniversary To The Independant Gambia

On 18 February The Gambia celebrates its 44th year of Independence. The 'On This Day Page' on the BBc website gives a report on the independence celebrations in 1965: Countdown to Gambian independence
The Duke and Duchess of Kent have celebrated the end of 300 years of colonial rule in Gambia with 35 chiefs.
At midnight Gambia will become the smallest - and 37th - sovereign state in Africa and the last of Britain's West African colonies to gain independence.

It was the first African nation conquered by the British and will become the 21st member of the Commonwealth, as well as the 116th member of the United Nations.

Representing the Queen, the royal couple was escorted to the mansa bengo - gathering of kings - by Gambian Prime Minister Dawda Jawara and Governor Sir John Paul.

All the Gambian leaders showed their respect by removing their shoes before greeting the British dignitaries.

The oldest chief, Toure Sagniang, said: "It gives us confidence to know that as a monarchy we are members of that family of which the Queen is head."

And he thanked the UK for its assistance in making the transition to independence.

The traditional ceremony - in the village of Brikama, 22 miles from the capital, Bathurst - included soothsayers and standard bearers, accompanied by drumming and string instruments.

Guests from around 30 nations were present, including the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, George Mennen, and the Soviet Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Grigori Pashchenko

Gambia Holiday Forums

Last week I was looking for a flight to the Gambia and came to the Trip advisor Gambia Forum. Having read some of the posts and the solutions to travel enquiries, I thought I might join and while handing out some top tips for travelling in Africa, with all age groups, I could promote the Gambian Businesses I have found useful. I added to a couple of posts seeking opinions on Cape Point or Banjul, where to eat and whether one could risk travelling to West Africa without the suggested jabs. Then, up came a question about travelling with a 18 month old child.

Having been brought up by the Unilever Guide to bringing up children in the tropics, I offered as much info as I could, adding some useful business contacts such as a taxi with seatbelts which might accommodate the car seat they were taking.The Post was promptly removed, as it was considered to be commercial spam by the moderator.

I had a few private mails from members who had seen the original post, asking me to join an off topic forum so I presume the info must have been useful. I do think that such forums are used by people who have an interest and who want to give info to others, just as you might if you met them in a queue for check in. So if you cannot give out your personal experience, the name of a useful website or a particular local tour guide or legal advice or restaurant what use is the forum? What a forum for the Gambia should tell you is how other people got off the hotel beach to see something of the real Gambia.

Bakau Guest House for Breakfast, Fishing, Views and West African Art

On our last trip to the Gambia we were a group which held three generations of the family and therefore there were times when the trip of the day did not suit all of us. Fishing in a small local fishing boat was one that did not suit me, or Granny, but we would not want to miss the occasion altogether; Overlooking the fish market in Bakau is the Bakau Guest House. From the restaurant balcony you can watch the fishing boats going out with 2 generations of the family on board, while you and the top end of the age range have eggs on toast, a pot of tea, and a birds eye view of the fish market. The photos show the left, right and centre view from the balcony over the rooves of the market, the fishing trip, view to the guesthouse and the balcony itself .

After a second pot of tea we were invited to view the rooms available. (Foolishly I did not take a photograph) They were very big,shaded, clean and airie, with a big fan. The rooms with balconies overlooking the beach and the open public areas (bar reception and restaurant) had the added benefit of the sea breeze. I would book it tommorrow if we were a one generation trip. My generation does not insist on air conditioning or a swimming pool and the guest house would have been considered absolute luxury in my backpacking days. The menu was excellent, the quirky architecture a joy. One aspect of the Guesthouse was extremely interesting to all ages-the art work which I did feel energetic enough to snap.