28 Oct 2019
I had an absolutely wonderful time taking this experience with these two wonderful hostesses.
To be honest, a friend of mine told me about this excursion. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, aside from being taken around to the market and then having a Gambian meal. I was in for a wonderful surprise. The market we went to was so interesting, and both Sainabou and Mariama were so gracious and fun! They made sure I was comfortable from time of pick up all the way through the day. We explored the market, I asked questions, they even helped me negotiate pricing on a few items that I wanted to buy.
Most everyone speaks English in The Gambia, but for those people who don't have a strong command of the language, Mariama and Sainabou were great at helping me to translate to people about things I was looking for. Everyone was so friendly, and I fully enjoyed my time with them.
As for the food...good grief, these women can cook! I was asked if there was anything that I didn't like, and I told them, honestly, I don't really care for most fish. They asked me if I would try a fish dish, if they made it, along with some other things, and of course since it wasn't the only thing, I was game. From a non-fish eater, this is the best fish I've ever eaten, and I so wish I could cook fish like them, as I'd eat it every day!
I'm now hooked on several Gambian dishes, and they even taught me the basics of making a couple of things that I could take home with me, for the future (to make myself), with ingredients I could find in America.
I cannot recommend this excursion enough, and hope to go back and do another one with them on my next trip!