More info on the Gambia

A little about The Gambia:

The tiny sliver of The Gambia is wedged into surrounding Senegal and is either seen as a splinter in its side, or the tongue that makes it speak depending on who you talk to. For most travellers it's as easily negotiated country with a magnificent shoreline that invites visitors to linger. But there is more to Africa's smallest country than sun and surf. Small fishing villages, nature reserves and historical slaving stations are all within easy reach from the clamorous resort zones at the coast, and Gambia's vibrant culture is always there to be taken in by open eyed visitors. Traditional wrestling matches regularly take place in Serekunda's arenas and the striking performances of griots can be experienced during weddings, baptisms and public concerts.

Bird lovers will easily be seduced by this compact country. On a tour upriver, the cries of over 300 species will follow you as you piroque charts a leisurely course through mangrove-lined wetlands. Even if your ornithological skills don't go beyond identifying an inner city pigeon, you'll be tempted to wield binoculars here, and you can rely on an excellent network of trained guides to help you tell a pelican from a flamingo.

But evidently, the government seems a bit questionable:

Years of authoritarian rule and the increasing repression exerted by Gambia's government have resulted in a certain climate of distrust. Conversations are often conducted with care, and few people will express their views on governmental politics openly - you never know who may be listening. Short term travellers might not readily notice this, seeing that the government is keen to present a gleaming holiday image to the tourist community. Yet being aware of the troubles that plague the population will help you to understand silences in conversation or the avoidance of topics, and gradually grant you an insight into the real Gambia, the one that lies beyond the polished smiles and tourist hustling.

From the Lonely Planet: West Africa

And here is the Wiki entry: Wikipedia: The Gambia

I couldn't find any Anglican presence in Senegal, which is no surprise given that it is a former French colony with a population that is 90% Muslim, but the Gambia is Britain's first and last colony in West Africa and there is a large Anglican presence there: Anglican Diocese of The Gambia

Africa here I come

I just put down a deposit for a trip to Senegal and The Gambia scheduled for late November after the rainy season ends.

I will depart JFK for a flight into Dakar and meet up with a tour group there. While I generally avoid tours because you spend more time with other tourists gawking at locals, than with the locals themselves and you can't be spontaneous with your itinerary, this is a first trip to Africa and think it's the way to go. I will get a feel for it and be more comfortable going it alone if I go back another time.

My next steps are to see a doctor, get a yellow fever shot and malaria tablets, but I have nearly 6 months to get it done.