A touristy day in Banjul
On Saturday we took a bush taxi to Banjul, The Gambia's sleepy administrative capital. It was unfortunately built on an island below sea-level and it is said it will soon be submerged. It is not the prime tourist destination but we wanted to see it for ourselves. We visited Arch 22, the National Museum, and the Albert market.
Arch 22 was built and named to commemorate the military takeover by the current President, Yahya Jammeh, on 22 July 1994. Its height (it is the tallest building in the country) allows panoramic city views, but it doesn't fit in with the surroundings. At its base stands the Statue of Liberty (I mean, the Statue of the Unknown Soldier). The soldier in question holds a baby, gestures 'peace' and has a rifle strapped across his back.
You're safe with me
Banjul
The museum had a good collection of artefacts and lots of information. I particularly liked the selection of drums, anthropological exhibits, and the newspaper clippings from Jammeh's takeover claiming "We will never run a dictatorship". We were also able to watch a silversmith at work, creating intricate filigree bracelets.
Lunch was salmonella, shigella and salmonella but we've all been fine so far. I've got the hang of bargaining now and enjoyed searching for material in the market.
Arch 22 was built and named to commemorate the military takeover by the current President, Yahya Jammeh, on 22 July 1994. Its height (it is the tallest building in the country) allows panoramic city views, but it doesn't fit in with the surroundings. At its base stands the Statue of Liberty (I mean, the Statue of the Unknown Soldier). The soldier in question holds a baby, gestures 'peace' and has a rifle strapped across his back.
You're safe with me
Banjul
The museum had a good collection of artefacts and lots of information. I particularly liked the selection of drums, anthropological exhibits, and the newspaper clippings from Jammeh's takeover claiming "We will never run a dictatorship". We were also able to watch a silversmith at work, creating intricate filigree bracelets.
Lunch was salmonella, shigella and salmonella but we've all been fine so far. I've got the hang of bargaining now and enjoyed searching for material in the market.
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