I just arrived back from a trip to Spain. My parents spent 12 days in The Gambia and then we went together for one week in Spain, a few days in Madrid and a few days in Barcelona. It was great to spend sometime with my parents and my sister and to take a break from Gambia. Unfortunately I, the experienced Gambian, got bad diarrhea in the airport leaving for Spain. Just as I thought I would be able to eat whatever I wanted, I could not do it at first. Luckily it only lasted two days, and for the rest of the week I treated myself to all sorts of food I had been missing such as steak (without bones), ice cream, and cheese.
Eating "tapas" in Barcelona
While in Gambia, my parents and my sister stayed a few days on the coast, traveled up river to Tendaba and Bird Safari Camp in Janjanbureh, and visited my village for 3 nights; they lived their Gambian adventure. While here, they saw first hand the good things and some of the frustrations and challenges Peace Corps volunteers have in the Gambia. I think they had a good time seeing where I live, but by the end, they were ready to leave. I invited them to do guest posts so I will let them explain their adventures such as taking pictures of beautiful birds, our 2 boat-2 car rides in the heat of the day, sitting in the shade dripping in sweat, and feeding the chimps (a once in a lifetime experience).
When we showed up at chimp island, one of them threw a big stick at the boat barely missing one of the guides to apparently show who was the boss. It was amazing watching the chimps smiling at us, holding out their hands, and catching food thrown at them (beans, bread and nuts). At one point, one chimp pushed another one in the water (again showing strength). When the wet one came out of the water, one of his brothers gave him a hi five - like he was supporting him. It was amazing to see the similarities between them and humans.
Feeding the Chimps
When we showed up at chimp island, one of them threw a big stick at the boat barely missing one of the guides to apparently show who was the boss. It was amazing watching the chimps smiling at us, holding out their hands, and catching food thrown at them (beans, bread and nuts). At one point, one chimp pushed another one in the water (again showing strength). When the wet one came out of the water, one of his brothers gave him a hi five - like he was supporting him. It was amazing to see the similarities between them and humans.
Other highlights:
My mother dancing with one of my Gambian mothers at their naming ceremony
Eating local food (bread with beans) and tea
Teaching the kids the macarena - in village
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