| Author |
 Topic  |
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 08:04:57
|
I am attending a Mandinka wedding in March. I would be interested to know what to expect and as a guest what is expected of me.
|
|
|
Guest
Gambia
20 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 14:13:57
|
| Ask your hosts what they need most and take that as a present. They will never tell you the gift is small. |
 |
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 14:28:29
|
| Thanks, I meant more about the structure of the day and any ceremony. |
|
|
|
Guest
Gambia
20 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 15:17:46
|
| You should expect at least three days of ceremony or more. I would ask my hosts if I were you because they are the ones who have the answers. They might have their own plans how they intend to celebrate. |
|
|
|
paa76
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 16:16:24
|
| Am a Mandinka guy living in the UK. It is going to be about 3 days full of activities starting at the house of the bride - first day - and the main activities will be held at the house of the bridegroom.The bride is normally transported on the night of the wedding to the house of the bridegroom. Most of the activities will include singing, dancing.These are traditional songs and are not western ones but you will like it. You should enjoy it and presents are not a big deal. |
mk |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 16:24:33
|
Thanks, It sounds very exciting! I've been warned I have to dance!!
Paa......which village are you from, or would you rather not say?
I go to Pirang and Kolior (near Kwinella) |
|
|
|
paa76
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 16:59:48
|
| Am from Basse in the east of gambia a very mixed town. |
mk |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 19:11:35
|
It is my ambition to visit there one day as I understand it is the end of the country! So far I've made it to Tendaba..... about a third of the way I think! Any chance of an airport at your end of the line??? |
|
|
|
Babylon
Sweden
691 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 19:15:07
|
quote:
Originally posted by gambiabev
Thanks, It sounds very exciting! I've been warned I have to dance!!
 I know the "I have to dance" feeling.. Normally I dont dance without a few drinks first, as the true nordic I am.
But in the Gambia I was forced to dance african dance (which I´m not so very good at I must say..) in public at a party, sober and in broad daylight! That was totally embarrasing but I´m glad I made some ppl laugh at me. LOL!
Since then I always try to hide behind tall people when there´s dancing going on, hoping no happy dancer will see me and drag me to the centre of attention... |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 05 Feb 2006 : 22:21:18
|
| Yes I'm ashamed to say although I like a good party it is usally fueled by alcohol..... Perhaps a glass of wine at the hotel B4 will help? |
|
|
|
Ousman
USA
103 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2006 : 19:43:46
|
gambiabev,
How often do you visit Tendaba? I had the son of the proprietor of Tendaba camp working for me at one time in 1996.I visited the camp with him one time. Nice place. |
http://Gambian.blogspot.com |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2006 : 20:34:08
|
Twice a year..... I love sitting and watching the river... I love Tendaba nursery school. Those children are so well cared for and well loved. A model nursery for any other village.
Tendaba is more than fantastic! |
|
|
|
paa76
United Kingdom
4 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2006 : 22:23:59
|
Am afraid there is no airport in Basse or near Basse. You would have to travel by car. About 3 hours journey from Tendaba. By the way i've been to Tendaba and i have visited the camp. Loved it.
Also i am friends with the children of the proprietor of the camp here in the UK. |
mk |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 06 Feb 2006 : 23:01:19
|
| What a small world! Do you know the Joof family from Tendaba? So is the road after tendaba a bit better? A bit quicker? 3 hours doesnt seem too bad?! Might give it a try! |
|
|
|
gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2006 : 08:39:40
|
The date for my trip is fast approaching! I travel on 17th March and the wedding is the following Friday in Pirang. I am also spending 3 nights at Tendaba so that I can spend 2 full days in the village of Kolior with the Mass family and the nursery school children.
I am hoping to visit Brufut and Kwinella aswell as Brikama.
I am also hoping to get an appointment at the embassy to help my friend with his visa application.
I want to try to contact Banjul Soroptimists too.
In between all of this I hope to see the sun, swim, and have some fun!
My mum is travelling from Leicester to Yorkshire today to look after my 16 year old daughter whilst I am away. 2 weeks is the longest time we have ever been apart. I am going to miss her.
So you will all have two weeks rest from my postings!
When I return I hope to be full of renewed enthusiasm!
|
|
|
|
Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 15 Mar 2006 : 12:13:53
|
Well
Paa, I was in Basse 4 four years as a teacher.Oneday you might have an airport as you once had an airstrip near mansajang kunda.You also have a stadium though it is in ruins but as the second capital and most lifely and multi-cultural town in the whole gambia,it will have its share of the national cake one day.
Gambiabev.
Mandinka marriages are of two folds.As most African marriages, If it is either the first session where the elders meet to make legalise the marriage between the man and his wife to be( we call this "futuu sitoo"..this used to be mostly low key).
Or when the wife is surpose to come to the husband's home finaly(we call that "ma nyoo bito").Now a days people celebrate all.So if you are going to a futuu sito, well then lucky you 4 you will see culture in display.Though the Ma nyoo bito is more of traditional culture which you must try and witness one day.So that you know the value of women in African society.give what ever you can.Am sure any small gift will be appriciated as some times those programmes cost fortunes despite poverty,people take pride to go ahead.But do try and dance as it is real fun.
Good luck
Mankajang Janyanfara. |
Edited by - Janyanfara on 15 Mar 2006 12:20:32 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Topic Locked
