thoughts from Anne

New Years Day 2011

So what do I tell you?

Seven tales for seven days, or how wonderful our guides were. 

That a Gambian sky at Christmas is the blue of pure joy, or that the captain on a fishing trip always catches the most fish - regardless of the competence of others. 

That Bakary developed a repeat relationship with a fish that resembles a frog in both form and voice, or that children dance better in bare feet.

That Haggis Domada (peanut sauce) is a dish yearning to be launched on the international culinary circuit, or that Youssfa - as a devout Muslim - is possibly not the best choice as a maker of cocktails, unable as he is to taste his new creations. Thus he served up a drink called, we believe, 'The African Organism' that made sucking lemons with deeply chapped lips a proposition of delight.

Should I tell you of the languid hour making Christmas decorations, threading tiny glass beads onto dried grass fronds while trying to make sense to myself, let alone to my Gambian threading companions of the particularities and peculiarities of British 'domestic arrangements'.

Perhaps I should tell you of Lamin, nominally a taxi-driver, but "What's in a name?" Who took on some very annoyed police officers, in a variety of uniforms, in order to protect a man, his camera, and the dignity of The Gambia. Please bear in mind, if you're about to brush this aside that police are armed, intimidation could be seen as mandatory, vehicle rummages are obligatory and languish and prison are peas in a pod.

Should I tell you to close your eyes and see a sky flecked with so many stars that the heavens turn into a twinkling cloth of light, and now open your eyes and turn them earthward to hear gentle greetings as small children walk by unconcerned at their unaccompanied state among the darkness of the lanes.

Should I tell of Hawa's nonchalance in fielding questions in Mandinka and her ability to put a smile on anyone's face with the firm assertion that 'Yes indeed' she was from Janjangburah.

Perhaps I will tell you all of this, but most of all I will tell you of how Greetings are vital,   take time - you enquire about the day, the family and wish 'Peace' -  are sincere and are the oil that lubricate a world class ability to 'shoot the breeze' with anyone, on any subject, at any time and in any situation.

They are what makes us individuals and are the gateway to any community.

Salaam.

Shalom.

Peace.

Aminata and Tijan 'Konoba' Touray - formally known as Anne Mosley and Tony James