"The main attraction of Gambia for most British holidaymakers, is that it is English speaking, has convenient direct flights from the UK, guaranteed sunshine, and is by far the cheapest country in the area. It seemed an ideal base from which to make my planned trip. For the rest of the passengers on my flight whisked away to fancy hotels along the coast, as part of their package deal, Gambia would probably be an exotic location in which to enjoy one or two weeks having a good time. Only I was left at the airport, in the midday heat, to take an overpriced rust heap of a taxi into Banjul, after being assured there was no bus, then to try and find some accommodation.
I found a guest house where I paid £8 for a very spartan room, which despite its appearance seemed to be the best on offer in this now run down colonial town. It was clean however, and had the advantage of a good lock on the door and an electric fan. Within an hour the area suffered a power cut which left me sweating it out in the dark for the whole night." - MH