GUESS WHAT?!?

So, you remember this??? Well, guess where I'm heading back to next year?!?! So so so excited!!!

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Flashback Friday

Guess what happened this time last year? Well, we were en route to Gambia... Remember that?! It was such an amazing two weeks, and I am definitely having some Gambia-related withdrawal symptoms right now!! It's been made even worse that the group for this year's Gambia trip left (much earlier) today- so so jealous!!

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International Day Against FGM

Two related things have happened today. Firstly, my aunt sent me a link to this petition, asking for help to tell Gove that FGM education is required in the UK if we want to make any progress with it's reduction. Then, when I sent the link to BB, he told me that tomorrow is International Day Against FGM. Since Gambia, this issue has been something really really close to my heart, and I would be so grateful if you were to follow this link and sign the petition. If you need further persuasion, here's why it's important to me:

Last year I went on a trip to Gambia, where FGM is common. On the way back from a day trip, we saw the 'Circumcision Men' in one village, entertaining the villagers in their costumes. One of them jumped towards our van and danced around. Safe inside, we laughed, enjoying the spectacle. Then something caused us to look to the other side of the road, to see a line of terrified young girls- and it was no longer funny. They were young, maybe between 4-6, roughly the same age as my sister at that time, which, for me, made it all the more hard-hitting- I felt such relief that this was something my sister would never have to encounter. FGM is no joke; it's a hugely serious issue that needs to be tackled head on. I wasn't able to help those girls stood awaiting their fate- but I'll do what I can to help others.

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Oh :(

This was published just before I went to Gambia, but I've only just found it, and it's painful to read :( There are so many things wrong with it, and I disagree with all he says. But mainly, more than being generally indignant, it just makes me feel sorry for the people who live there. We met so many people during our stay, there is a very high chance that this will mean at least one (but probably more) are never allowed to be open about who they are. And that is a heart-breaking thing.

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'Gambia Testimonial'

I'm aaawful at writing stuff like this!!

For me, the Gambia trip was a hugely rewarding trip. It took me completely out of my comfort zone, and I was able to experience things I would never have done otherwise, many of which have had a big impact on me.
I think that the trip improved my confidence a great deal; before the trip, I was slightly nervous about going so far away with a group where I only knew a couple of people properly, and the rest vaguely. However, even before the end of the first day I was completely comfortable with the group, which, as I can be quite inwardly self-conscious, was really positive. It was also a little daunting to be face with so many new people when we went to the school- but there, everyone was so welcoming and friendly, that we settled down almost immediately. Both of these things really helped my general confidence a lot as I learnt that there was nothing to be 'scared' of in meeting and getting to know new people.
Secondly, I really benefited from the huge culture shock that we faced. Though we had all been given an idea of what to expect, nothing prepares you for how different life is- and it's something you never forget, either. Quite quickly, we all became a lot more thankful for the things we take for granted, something I think that I've continued to think about since our return to Bristol.
Similarly, something I noticed time and time again throughout our trip was how happy everyone in the Gambia was, even when they had so little. It was really inspiring to be able to work with such positive people, and taught a valuable lesson in being thankful for all we have! It was also really nice to make new friends, and learn about different people and different lives.
Though it may not seem as important, I also feel that the fundraising we did was important; organising and carrying out the car wash showed me that you can do a lot on a small scale, and this fundraising directly inspired me to plan more fundraising for other causes in the summer. Due to the trip, I'm also planning to go on a similar trip, this time helping at a day care in Bosnia in August.
Finally- though, to be honest, I could go on listing positives for days!- the whole experience helped me enormously in more personal struggles that I faced at home, which is something I'm incredibly thankful for.

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External Hard Drive

Today was my turn with the external hard drive- in English, all the pictures and videos taken over the course of the Gambia trip! A lot to look through, and some I had to skip because I knew I'd never get finished otherwise. However, I've now copied quite a few of my favourite pictures/videos over, so I have my own copies ^.^
Head filled with a million memories now- which is good timing, because I'm just about to write a 'testimonial' to the trip. It's something I've been meaning to do anyway, but a few of us are writing them to help our teacher argue that the trip should happen every year.
I'll post it on here as well once I'm done, because I wanted to write my own 'summary' since we got back!

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I Finally Typed Them Up!

Gambia 2013 Quotes

Just to clarify, I don't get called Duck, I'm just using that for privacy etc.! :)

Will: Is the plural of duck ducks?

Nicole: I might use tanning moisturiser

Daisy: We're going to Gambia...

Eleanor: Do they play bingo in Wales?

Nicole: What's the difference between Bob Marley and Bob Dylan?

Mr B: You might get asked for a Bob Marley

Eleanor: What's a Bob Marley?

Mr B: Well... He was renowned for many things...

Eleanor/Nicole/Eloise/Duck: Oh.

Mr B: Yeah- and none of us smoke anyway

E/N/E/D: Smoke?

Mr B: Yeah. Oh! You thought I meant something inappropriate!

Mr B: He was overacting

Miss A: A squirrel bit me so I chased it away and put antibacterial on it

Duck: Monkey I want to marry you!

Will: How much is a machete? Not that I'm planning on buying one

Mr B: How about the Time Warp? It's the pelvic- oh, wait...

Miss A: No thrusting!

Will: My name's Will

Miss A: Will! What was the first rule?! Don't give out your name!

Mr B: Go away crisps, you're spoiling my pure pleasure

Miss A: Word associations. Table.

Will: Soft.

Kate: Sarah isn't a sharer

Miss A: Why are you both in there? This is getting indecent! It's illegal here you know!

Mr M: Where's my waller? He must have taken it! The man took it!

Mr B: You're right, he must have taken it

Mr M: Oh. You've got it.

Mr B: Oh my God, I was about to say, 'let me just get my nuts out'!

Mr B: And these belonged to fat dwarves

Mr B: No more filming. I'll lose my job!

Will: The profile picture's someone wearing a mask

(Mr M pulls face)

Us: Oh, guess it was you then!

Me: It's a light! It's a light! Oh, it's a torch...

Nicole: If you think it tastes like tea, it actually does

Mr B: Sorry, went off on a bit of a feminist rant

Mr M: Yeah, it was boring

Us: Sexist

Mr M: Will's keen to bang

Mr B: No unnecessary banging!

(Much laughter from all)

Miss A: Come on then berries!

Will: Mine and Duck's bitchy sign language

Duck: (As a joke) So, Hitler's last name?

Nicole: (Seriously) That's a good question

Mr B: That was the most sarcastic coconut I've ever seen

Mr B: You play the game by-

Lottie: How do you win?!

Miss A: I don't know Little Direction

Mr B: Don't worry, there'll be no pooing involved

Ellie: Magicool smells like new cars

Nicole: Maybe that's what they spray it with

Daisy: There were several Pippins

Duck: You just ruined my childhood...

Nicole: (to Miss A) Mum?

Nicole: Do preying mantis's pray?

Eloise/Nicole: There were pictures of the Pope topless?

Miss A: Is he hung like a moose?

Miss A: Special couples- middle-aged women and young men

Kate: I want to come here when I'm middle-aged

Will: Wives? Too much stress!

Mr M: He was trying to pimp his sister out to me

Eleanor: He kept proposing

PE Teacher: (to Anju) Indian 2 bob

Hannah: I had a dream where Mr B was holding a baby

Ida: My parents live in Banjul. My brother's wife looks after me.

Me: Oh, Fatou?

Ida: No, my brother's other wife

Mr M: So Will, how will you cope without Nicole?

Will: You can pay me and make me do anything. I sound like a male prostitute.

Florrie: The white cliffs of Dover? I thought they were hills!

Mr M: It's Dam Barry! Anju, where's your ring?

Duck: Guess what?! Nicole!! It's your birthday!

Will: Now Duck points out fit women to me

Will: Duck, you have more pictures of women than some boys I know

Mr M: Does Mr B's story involve another 'most beautiful woman in the world'?

Mr B: I didn't threaten to get my nuts out, I got my nuts out and offered them around

Lamin: Look, it's Dam Barry!

Eleanor: Duck, I stepped in monkey poo...

Duck: Giraffes have very long necks, don't they

Me: (mouthed words)

Miss W: Duck! I saw that!

Mr M: What did she say?

Miss W: Something about her friend looking at (other teacher)... A certain part of (other teacher)...

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The Gambia 2013 Song

Today is not going well. A bath and bed methinks, and hope that tomorrow is better.
Before I do that, here's the song that's known as the 'Gambia 2013' song; it was playing a lot in Gambia, and we put it on our video (which I'll hopefully post soon) so now, whenever I hear it, it just reminds me of those two amazing weeks.

Chop My Money- P Square

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Gambia: Day Fifteen

Thursday 21^st February

Goodbye to Gambia day :'(

Got up at eight-ish, with achy legs from dancing the night before! I spent some time out on the balcony on my own, just thinking over the trip and enjoying being in Gambia. Also took some pictures of monkeys!

View From Our Balcony Again

Going To Miss These

 Eleanor and I got ready, finished packing etc., then joined Eloise and Nicole for breakfast. Again, felt minimalistic after Farafenni!

After breakfast, Eleanor and I went to the ping pong area with Will, Ben, Mr M and Mr B. Eleanor and I played 2 versus 1 against Mr B, which we won- somehow!!

At 10, we got any leftover donation stuff and said goodbye to Lamin and Morro. Got pictures with both and Lamin had everyone's emails and Facebooks.

Lamin!

 Morro!

It was so sad saying goodbye; going to miss them both a lot!

Back up to room and got suitcases. Everyone assembled in a room near the reception and waited for the coach. Coach journey and airport arrival uneventful, though it took ages to check in. Plane delayed by 45 minutes,

Had lunch- I had a chicken baguette. Realised I've had chicken at least once every day, if not more: yum yum!

Spent a while waiting for the plane, but it passed quicker than I expected. On the way back I was sat by the aisle with Will then Ben. Poor Anju was sat by the window with Mr M and Mr B next to her- I think she found the journey very long!

Sunset Over Morocco

Spent most of the time writing/reading. Wrote up a piece for the school newsletter.

Got back to England! Very very cold, and everyone a little over-tired so either quiet or hyper. Got into mini-bus and drove back. Got to the school around 2am.

Trip officially over: but what a trip.

 Goodbye Gambia :(

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Gambia: Day Fourteen

Wednesday 20^th February

Last full day in The Gambia. I'm really really not looking forward to going back!

Had a bit of a lie-in, then got ready and went down for breakfast. Nice but very minimalistic after the Farafenni breakfasts!

Went out the first market, which was very big, though many of the stalls were similar if not the same. The sales-people were also very keen to sell. Scarily so, in fact. I think we all experienced having to run away once or twice!

Loads And Loads Of Colours ^.^

Bought last few presents: bracelets, mask, giraffe, crocodile magnets, dress. Also a dress for myself and feel in love with the bangles: got 4 and was given 1. Everyone got a lot of stuff we didn't really need, but it was all so nice and (with haggling) well-priced!

I Now Own The Black/Yellow Stripy Dress; Eloise Got The Grey One Next To It

Florrie got some 'lovely' wall hangings, which are true works of tat!

Mr B And Florrie's Wall Hanging (No, She Doesn't Have A Husband)

After we'd all spent far too much, we went on to the wood carving market. I bought a few more bracelets, then Eloise and I sat in the middle and had a nice chat.

We all sat on the van to wait for the last people- during which we were all tempted by the drums. Mr M had got one, and was playing it; within a few minutes, we all had one!

The Big One Cost D100 (£1) And The Little One D150 (£3)- Nicole Was Not Happy!

 

Back to the hotel. Down to the bar/restaurant for lunch. I sat with Anju, Hannah and Eleanor. Once again, the food took aages. However, it was lovely- I had a chicken baguette which came with the typical Gambian fried, spiced (but not spicy) onions. Going to really miss the amazing food :(

After lunch, we had free time. Eleanor slept in the room; I sat by the pool (once again, unable to swim). Eloise, Nicole, Mr B, Will, Miss W, Miss A, Mr M and Ben were all swimming/playing (some sort of) volleyball, so I watched them as well.

Eventually, we went back to our rooms to get ready to go our again. I had a 'feel-good' shower.

Walked to market. We'd divided into three groups at lunch, and each was responsible for purchasing a present for a different person out of Morro, Lamin and Miss A. So, at the craft market, we had to get the presents. Our group (Hannah, Anju, Eleanor and I- we worked in our lunch table groups) had Miss A; we got her a new (African!) outfit for Wally, her toy monkey. I also bought a really nice scarf, which took a lot of haggling and a man who tickled me under the chin. After I paid (D150- £3- he wanted D600, I wanted D600; I have a 'different' way of haggling where I refuse to go up, but just state the price and see how close I can get it), he gave me a necklace, asked me to visit him and asked for my email address. At which point, I 'needed to get a pen and paper'. Sometimes, false pretences are the only way to escape!

The Lamin group were waiting for their engraved bird ('Thank You Lamin') so we waited with them. I got into a discussion with a man with pigtails, wherein we both quotes and sang Bob Marley.

Pigtail Guy!

We went to find the Morro group, but they still hadn't chosen. They eventually went for an engraved Arsenal plaque (Morro's favourite team), which meant that the Miss A and Lamin groups had to wait aages by the gate.

The cutest little girl came and sat by us, so we all cooed over her. She pretended to pour cream out of a leaf and rubbed it into my left arm. Admittedly, lump in throat moment. Innocent kids are the sweetest.

Also, a woman spoke French to us. I had a very basic conversation with her and mispronounced half of it, which made the others laugh.

As soon as the Morro group got back, we went to the ice cream parlour! I had a raspberry scoop (very much like a sorbet) complete with coconut shavings, chocolate sprinkles and chocolate sauce (the toppings were free). A little odd but nice!

From there we walked back along the beach again, which was very nice- I had a really entertaining conversation with Anju and Eleanor.

Back at the hotel it was time to pack up. We also all got ready for 'The Last Dinner'- everyone wore their nicest stuff. I got to wear my new (African!) dress, which I was pleased about. Eloise had got a similar one, so she wore hers. Everyone looked really nice.

All Dressed Up

Went to the Kora (restaurant we went to on the second night). I sat at one end, near Eloise, Nicole, Anju, Eleanor, Will and Ben. Dinner was very nice! I had chicken escalope, which I enjoyed.

The Last Dinner :(

After dinner, Miss A did a mini speech and we all got presents, complete with a funny reason: everyone received a necklace, a bracelet and a beaded crocodile (including the boys). We also gave the gifts we'd bought, which were all liked.

Also, Mr B, Mr M and Miss W got a 'No Evil' monkey each. Predictably, Mr B was 'Speak No', which was quite funny.

After we'd eaten we went to Ali Baba's (the place we ate at on the first night) for a little dancing and some 'special couple watching'. It started off kind of odd; there were old people dancing, and it was all just a bit embarrassing. After a while, however, we all decided to get up and dance, which was vaguely fun but mainly awkward, especially as a couple of the Gambian men attempted to be a little touchy-feely. The best part was when there was a power cut: everyone cheered and the stars/moon were really really bright.

After, we went on to a nightclub called Aquarius, which was pretty much dead until we walked in. We ended up dancing (and jumping) for what felt like ages. It was a little surreal, but so so fun!!

Finally, home and to be. Very very late night!!

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Gambia: Day Thirteen

Tuesday 19^th February

Safari day!!

Reaaally early start (again). Out by van for 7, so breakfast (oat biscuits and chocolate bar; healthy as ever) eaten on van. Everyone very tired so quiet journey to start with.

Got to ferry port. Left van behind and went on as foot passengers, which made things much quicker! Ferry trip uneventful; everyone still quiet. Will and I listened to my iPod and I updated the diary.

More Boats

 

 After the ferry, we hired jeeps, which was quite cool. Wish we could travel like that all the time! We went on in our boat groups as well, qui est superbe.

My orange juice leaked all over my bag again, which annoyed me and I was in a mood for a while; not particularly about that, just about being near the end of our trip and having to go back and everything like that. Thankfully, my bag was quick to dry and I soon cheered up.

The Jeep trip was great! Bouncing over rough terrain, sun in the sky, wind rushing through your hair- what's not to love!?

Jeeps!! (And One Big Camera)

Stopped at Senegal/Gambia border- passport time! (Though they didn't actually check our pictures or even count the number in the Jeeps, which was a bit weird). Whilst we were stopped, we were 'hassled' by the street-sellers and beggars, which was hard. We're not allowed to buy anything, but they're very persistent. You just want to give them everything.

The beggars are worse; little children who ask for innocuous things such as pens and biscuits. There seems no harm in giving them things like that, but we're still not allowed, as it teaches them that begging works, which is negative long-term. We all know that, but it doesn't make it any easier.

Off again to the safari place. We stayed in the same groups, same Jeeps. Over the course of the safari we saw giraffes, zebras, warthogs and two types of antelope.

We saw the warthogs and antelope first, causing Miss W and I to entertain our group with a variety of Lion King songs, which no-one else seemed to be particularly enthused about.

Amazingly Graceful For Their Size

Warthogs!

 When I Was A Young Warthog...

Next we saw the giraffes. Saw them from a distance at first, then managed to get closer and closer. They were so so lovely!! (I got laughed at for a small comment involving the size of their necks, however).

 Such Long Necks

They Posed For Us

Then- zebras! I thought they looked like they were made from foam, but no-one else agreed. Again, an amazing experience.

Look!

Cue Debate On Black With White Stripes Or White With Black Stripes

Unfortunately, no rhinos or hyenas :( According to the tour guides, they'd escaped earlier that morning. What a coincidence!? On the upside, we saw loads and loads of butterflies which would fly up when someone walked past, then settle back down again. Everyone also exclaimed over the toilets; we really are appreciating the smaller things.

Flutterbies

Back in the Jeep. I so so want to travel like this permanently. Impractical in Bristol though, I guess. Oh well, looks like I'll have to live in Africa!

Stopped at the border again. This time we met a beggar who looked around Roo's age, which I found quite hard. Also a nut-seller who doesn't go to school because the little she makes is required for her family. This is all so hard.

Back on the ferry; very busy. We saw cattle being transported, at which point I gave up red meat. Mr B was also propositioned by a French woman- we think he learnt a lesson in trying out his French!

The Cattle :(

Then in van back to hotel. We had time to change etc., then people got in the pool. Unfortunately, norethisterone still hasn't kicked in (piss-take!!) so I sat on side with Anju.

Monkeys At The Hotel

One by one people left, so it was just me, Anju and Miss W (who was asleep/listening to music). Anju and I played the Top 5 game; we've really taken to this! Ended up with 'Top 5 Worst Memories', which only I did. We had a very deep conversation.

Anju, Eleanor, Miss W, Mr B, Mr M and I went down to the beach, which was really nice. We ran along the sea, it was so good!

Changed and went out for dinner. Shop stop- I bought a Mandinka/Wolof dictionary, which was promptly nicked by- well, everyone. Wish I'd found this at the beginning of the holiday!! We think it was probably written by a man- it has phrases such as 'you have long legs' and 'you are very beautiful'.
Dinner was great. Sat with Anju, Daisy, Eleanor, Miss W, Mr B and Mr M. So funny! Daisy was cold, and ended up being 'dressed' in napkins by Mr B and Mr M. I also used my dictionary to great effect; various people have now said things under pretence of saying something else.

Daisy, Eleanor, Anju and I ended up discussing/gossiping about various people, which Mr M, Mr B and Miss W were half interested and half 'disgusted/bored' by. Daisy and I confused the others by our ability to talk using limited words; however, this failed at one point where Miss W worked out what I'd just mouthed at Daisy (pertaining to Becki's interests in Physics). That was pretty amusing.

Walked back to hotel along the beach, which was incredibly beautiful. The moon and stars are so bright here! I've said it so many times, but it's beautiful here: breath-takingly, movingly beautiful.

Finally, to bed.

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Gambia: Day Twelve

Monday 18^th February

Got up 'stupidly, idiotically' early and finished packing. Also yelled HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Nicole- 16 today! Put suitcases etc. on van, then had breakfast. Last one in Farafenni :( Going to miss these amazing breakfasts!

Got into van. On way, gave all donations to the hospital: mainly bottles. Then drove out of Farafenni, very sad :'(

The Bottles Eleanor And I Have Collected

Drove for about 2 hours, then went on very bumpy track to get to Juffre- home of 'Roots' and infamous for the slave trade. Once we got there, we put food orders in and used the toilets. They had soap, which everyone exclaimed about. We're all really enjoying the small luxuries now!

Statue At Juffre

Had talk on slave trade, then went in boat to James Island. Due to the tides, it's 'sinking' and getting smaller, which is a pity as there's so much history attached to it; if not nice history, it's an important reminder of all that's happened. The slaves were kept on the island and could only escape by swimming a long way to the mainland. Most couldn't swim, so very few (if any) escaped. In contrast, a high percentage died on the island.

Juffre

 James Island In Distance

 Wearing Our Life Jackets!

 

Looking around the island was quite emotional. It's such a horrific part of history; I can't believe people actually thought they had the rights to treat others in such awful ways. One room we saw was almost an underground dungeon, with one tiny window. The slaves would be kept there for two weeks, jammed in like sardines, with no release at any time and little food/water. How could anyone ever see that as being right!?

The Island

 Slaves Would Be Kept Here For Two Weeks

After the boat trip back, we had lunch at the restaurant. Eleanor and I both had chicken yassa, which was lovely. Spiced but not spicy as such; a Gambian favourite.

 One Of My Absolute Favourite Pictures

He's A Non-Swimmer, But Wanted To Be Cool Instead Of Safe

Short but very funny moment where a stall-owner persuaded Nicole to confess her love for Will in exchange for a necklace.

Next- and last- was a trip to the museum. Again, really shocking. We also went inside a replica shop (of sorts) and saw for ourselves just how awful the conditions were. So cramped! We've been taught a bit abut the slave trade, but it really doesn't sink in until an experience such as the Roots trip.

How The Slaves Would Be Kept

The Ship We Looked Around

After, it was back on the bus- and back up the bumpy bumpy road. I saw a monkey.

It didn't take long to get to the ferry port, but we had a long wait once there. We went to an upstairs restaurant. Anju, Will, Ben, Nicole, Eloise, Eleanor and I sat on a table together and played a few games- Word Associations, Snog/Marry/Avoid and the like. Spent maybe 1-2 (very long) hours up there, then went downstairs.

Sat in a big waiting room in the same group as before. Chatted a lot- we now all know Will's top 5 celebrities over and under 30. At one point we were also a bit alarmed as there was a huge rumble; it sounded as if the whole building was going to fall down! However, none of the Gambians seemed to even notice it- just us tubabs.

Eventually Anju and I played a very long game of 'Top 5s', which passed the time very well. I think we were in the waiting room for a couple of hours overall, but I lost track of time very quickly.

Sat in van for a while, then we finally started moving. However, as we moved into the ferry queue there was a bit of road rage. IT got a little scary, especially when a car thought the best way to get s to move was by attempting to drive through the van. It stopped when we all screamed.

Once we were in the queue, some people went to the ferry port, but most of the people I'd been sat with earlier, and a couple of others, stayed with the van. There was the possibility of a 2 hour wait, so we settled in for a loong 'rest'. Eleanor, Daisy and Anju started watching Hot Fuzz on Ben's iPad; I watched a little, but soon got bored.

Ended up getting Mr B to tell us his 'life stories', which he tells pretty much constantly anyway. Admittedly, they were slightly annoying at first, but they've grown on me! However, the whole group has delighted in pointing out to him that they nearly always feature a different girl who is described as 'the most beautiful girl in the world'.

Will was reading an Empire magazine, which had some pictures of various women, including a very nice French actress. Possibly wearing a fairly revealing dress. Oddly enough, the four Cabot males all found time to look at this page. I may or may not have done likewise.

Eleanor then pointed out my hypocriticalness (ah well!) and decided that it was a men's magazine, so would obviously have 'far too many' unrealistic pictures of women. At this point, I got out my Company magazine and went through pointing out each and every unrealistic picture of a woman, just to prove a point. The people at the back of the bus then got hold of the Company magazine, and started giggling over the rude bits (yes, this group included Miss A and Miss W!).

There were two ferries, so we ended up getting on one with less than a two hour wait!! Woo!! We all cheered again. I spent the journey stood near the front with Will, Mr B, Mr M and Miss A (for a bit). We had a very entertaining discussion involving Mr B's life stories and various Cabot teachers. Miss A decided that we were all being far too inappropriate but neither other teacher cared. It was very funny.

Titanic...

 Banjul Skyline: I'll Say It Again, Gambia Is Beautiful

I'm missing George and Joe quite a bit; I think one of the hardest parts for me has been being part of a very female group. I rely a lot on spending time in a mixed or largely male group; just part of being me. Anyway, it was nice to chat to Will/Mr M/Mr B.

Back on the van. Thankfully the journey from the ferry to the Holiday Beach Club is significantly shorter than the Farafenni/ferry journey! Eleanor and I listened to music on my iPod whilst Will flicked through my iPod pictures- namely the folder containing various actresses. He basically just rated each picture. I'm glad I've got to know Will a bit better; I didn't have the greatest impression of him before (and he knows it!), but that's definitely changed now.

Once back at the Beach Club, we took our suitcases to our rooms and had five minutes to get ready and went out for dinner- it was fairly late by this time. I wasn't feeling great, but thankfully that soon passed.

We went to a pizza place. They rearranged loads of chairs, tables and people (!!) to get us all seated. I was near Eloise, Nicole, Anju, Eleanor, Mr B, Miss W and Mr M, which meant there were some fairly interesting talks. Mr B popped out and got Nicole a present and card as well, so we all had to sign it without her seeing.

After the drinks arrived but before the food, we ended up moving outside- which involved another huge rearrangement! We spilt drinks on two table cloths as well; the staff/other diners must really have hated us!

Sat in similar places; I spent most time chatting to Anju, Eleanor and Mr B, which was funny and interesting. Food was great, but mine took ages to come- just a (small) chicken pizza as well! At the end we sang Happy Birthday to Nicole. The doll also made an appearance in it's dismembered state.

Dolls Legs...

Shop stop. Things here a lot more expensive than Farafenni! Got lunch and breakfast for tomorrow (safari day).

Back to beach club; late night, so very tired.

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Gambia: Day Eleven

Sunday 17^th February

Much confusion this morning as someone (Mr B!!) didn't do a wake-up call and acted innocent when the lack of call was mentioned. Luckily, everyone woke up naturally around the right time. Eleanor and I also used it to our advantage- we were up earlier than everyone else, so we had showers without having to queue/rush, then did some hand-washing outside whilst it was cool.

Breakfast was usual- Miss W and I also finished off the pineapple. It was a good buy, it was nice having fruit that's not orange/banana, nice as that fruit (served after dinner) has been.

Went to the market. The 'car park' consisted of mainly donkeys and horses. Shortly after we'd plunged into the bustle (!!) Lianbowe (Lambo) turned up. What a surprise!

People bought a variety of things, though largely fabric and jewellery. I got a few presents for people, but not many- most of us are holding out for the specialised market day next week.

The market was really nice, as always there was so much colour! The only downside was that Florrie had her purse stolen, but Morro (supposedly aided by Mr B) got it back again. Also, we couldn't take pictures as many of the sellers were from Senegal, where having a photo taken means losing your soul.

Went back to the guest house for midday break; the teachers took over the normal lounge, so we set up camp in the other one, which is just down the passage. I'm really going to miss our communal living.

The Other Lounge

At 2, we went back to the school. We spent over 5 hours painting the mural- even the van got involved! (The teachers stood on the top to paint the high bits; we weren't allowed to go up, though we got pictures yesterday). During the time, I also taught a huge bunch of small kids a version of the tickle monster. Plus Yahyah (the principal) let us have some Gambian food, which was very nice.

Part Of The Tickle Monster Group

Awww

Once done, the mural looked amazing (if I do say so myself!). I'm so proud of our group.It has our names on too, which is super cool!!

Finished Mural ^.^

 Everyone's Names

 

Lots more pics, then shop stop. We saw Dam Barry, who is very friendly with Anju, so there was lots of teasing.

:P

Back to guest house. Last night :( All had much packing to do after dinner. Also rang home, which was nice.

Ben and Will used their packing time to do a small experiment in doll decapitation. Everyone (especially Nicole) keeps finding pieces of doll everywhere, though Mr B found the bits the boys were planning to leave in the drawer in their room.

Eleanor and I wrote the blog. Then, we were all allowed to wait up for a bit to watch the 'amazing' Spanish soap opera (think- people in underwear and high heels rolling their eyes every two minutes and a very orange, very hairy man turning out to be the main character's grandfather).

Bed. Another long journey to go :(

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Gambia: Day Ten

Saturday 16^th February

Lie in! Got up at 7:30, with breakfast scheduled for 8:30, though it came at 8. Then, got ready and went to the school, stopping at the paint shop on the way. Once we got there, we prepared and sketched our mural on the wall, ready to paint!

The Wall Beforehand

 We Were Allowed A Picture On Top Of The Van ^.^

Many of the students had turned up at the school, ready for our leaving ceremony. It was very similar to the welcoming ceremony- lots of dancing and speeches! They dedicated a few birthday songs to Nicole as well (sixteen on Monday). Everyone in our group was given a necklace; and, of course, there were many chances to get up and dance!

Waiting To Start

After the ceremony, we had a chance to say goodbye, which was very sad. We've got so close to the students, it's really hard to think we might never see them again. All of us took a lot of final pictures, and gathered email addresses. I hope they all go far in life, they're all 100% amazing.

Ida Turned Up, Wearing The Top We Gave Her As A Present For Hosting Us

 Guess Who?!

Yet More Pictures!

Carried on painting- we got the whole base coat finished, then went back to the guest house for lunch. Miss W and I bought a tin of pineapple at the shop, so we had some of that each, and the rest is saved for the morning. Also, Will has found a new way of raising money- he's getting people to pay him for doing small jobs, such as cooking their noodles for them. However, Ben was less than impressed when the only bowl Will could find looked like one you'd feed goats out of!

In the afternoon we went back to paint: we got most of the base done. Yay! Had a small scare on the way back when the van didn't start, during which I had fun using the night mode on the video camera (it was my day to use it, which I've enjoyed!). Thankfully, the van started again after being hit with a hammer.

Near The End Of The Day

 Lots Of Paint

 

After dinner, we did a quiz in our room groups. Eleanor and I called our team 'Guess What!?' after my uber-cool catchphrase. There were four rounds, each given by a different teacher: General Knowledge (Miss W); Films, Books, TV (Mr M); Gambia Knowledge (Miss A) and Music (Mr B). Eleanor and I thought we did really badly, but we still came second ^.^ Only downside was that we each won a hideous belt- as Miss A said, it wasn't a prize for doing well but a punishment for not coming first. We tried to lose them, but we've been forced to wear them tomorrow.

Daisy and Florrie came first- they won the all-coveted prize of plastic teapots- whilst Will and Ben (team name- 'The Flowerpot Men') came third, winning two grotesque dolls.

Dolls...

It was meant to be bedtime straight after that, but then someone realised it was earlier than we thought, so we stayed up a bit longer. No-one mentioned the time, so it ended up being a lot longer!

Last day in Farafenni tomorrow :(

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