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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
 Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 09:47:17
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bev
As much as there are poverty, food prices are increasing. Less tourism. It seems like Gambians are better economically every day. They are getting better, wealthier. It does not sound logical but that is how it seems.
They are watching Libya, but I am not sure how motivated they are to do the same thing in Gambia. They see the situation more like Iraqi war. Some do think Libyan dicta should go, but many do not make connection with Gambian situation.
Still high unemployment, hunger, poverty, lack of education and health. Compare to west, life is still very difficult in terms of what you have. But things are getting better and improving. It is very visible to see the improvement. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2011 : 12:19:55
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Turk, I really enjoyed reading your Gambian Diary of your holiday, really good, told as it is truthful and accurate.Thanks.   |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 26 Mar 2011 12:20:23 |
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rassimian
United Kingdom
168 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 12:28:54
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Yeh Turk really enjoyed reading your diary as well. Brought back a lot of memories both good and bad. Yeh there has been a slow decline in tourism now for some years but hotels at the top end of the market continue to be built. Many things you describe have just been the norm in Gambia as in Afica generally like having to barter for goods/taxis.I like this part of my stay.You try and get the best price and so do Gambians. 1200 dal for a djembe is very good as I paid 700 many years ago. The club and restaurant scene has always been up and down. Jokors always used to be packed with live n'dagga bands. Saw Fallou Dieng there 6/7 years ago. Waaw club is a a joke. Sound system is poor and it can get crowded to the point of being dangerous cos they have no crowd numbers policy. There is a general rise in the number of wealthier middle class in many African countries but the majority of Gambians are still poor. There has been this antagonism towards Lebanese/Indians for many years. Also there is a general dislike of Nigerians who are in the Gambia.They are said to be doing the financial scams. The Sierra Leoneians control the music/recording shops. As you say there is a way of doing business which is pleading in its nature. Please buy something as I have not sold anything today. This may be the case but if you look as if you are interested and if you say you like something someone will do their utmost to sell it to you. I always go to Bakau craft market and they know me well but I don't always buy.
I have never had any hassle from Police but as you say don't take or give your passport to them cos it will cost you time and money to get it back.
It seems like you had a good time. I think of all the experiences I have had in the Gambia and the good outway the bad. Bumsters have never been a problem for many years. If you talk to them don't accept the bull****." Britain were our colonial masters. It's nice to be nice. I've not eaten today give me 20 dalasi etc etc." If you say you have a compound in the Gambia and you've been many times 'Ah you're a Gambian now ' is the reply and as long as you know what you're doing they leave you alone.When I think back to the first few visits I know how hard it was even though I'd been to West Africa before.
You are right about the support for Jammeh but it is probably because opposition is weak and not known to many people. I know people who voted for opposition and some who don't vote at all. Despite being army coup leader his party still wins elections though. The Gambia, a country of contrasts but I still love it and its people.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 13:23:15
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| "The Gambia, a country of contrasts but I still love it and its people." just like me rassimian ,its very odd but very |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 28 Mar 2011 13:23:43 |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2011 : 16:26:49
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| yes rassimian. I agree. Thanks for the response. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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