It was a last-minute decision of mine to go on a long weekend visit to The Gambia. It was a country I knew very little about in a part of the world which I had never visited. But when I saw The Gambia within a list of potential flight options I felt intrigued. What is the smallest country on the African continent, a menudo apodada la Costa Sonriente de África, ¿realmente como?
My excitement only grew when we came to land at Banjul airport for my long weekend. The country was shrouded in a dream-like mist, the great Gambia river tinted orange by the setting sun.
Brikama de noche
At the airport, I was met by representatives from Footsteps Eco-Lodge, el albergue I had chosen to be my home for my long weekend. We drove into the night, passing through lively towns which were filled with electric energy. The smell of enticing street food wafted through our slightly open windows and the sound of laughter and conversation filled our ears, just audible above the sizzle of fresh fish cooking on a barbeque.
Luego llegamos a Footsteps, un rincón de paraíso tranquilo a solo un corto paseo de distancia de una franja de arena dorada. Al estar ubicado en el borde de la Parque forestal de Koofung, Footsteps es un paraíso para las aves. Cuando no estaba explorando la Costa Sonriente de África, estaba sentado en el escondite de pájaros del albergue, escuchando el hermoso canto de innumerables especies, antes de que me obsequiaran con un avistamiento. El tejedor de Village era uno de mis favoritos debido al maravilloso color de su plumaje.
Una cálida bienvenida
One of my favourite aspects of mylong weekend was the welcoming culture I was greeted with. Everyone, I encountered made me feel as though I was a friend. I felt almost at home in their presence. I had only just set foot in The Gambia and already I had discovered why it was called the Smiling Coast of Africa.
Cuando llegó el momento de irme a casa, sentí un tirón en el pecho. Realmente no me sentía lista para irme. Solo había visto un puñado de las hermosas playas del país, había visto la punta de la cultura gambiana. Cuando abordé el avión de regreso a casa, supe que tendría que regresar pronto para satisfacer el intenso anhelo que se había encendido dentro de mí.
Escrito por Ella McKendrick