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
jeudi 15 mai 2008
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