Back to base

Arriving in The Gambia by land after leaving the country by an aeroplane clearly shows how dramatic and unpredictible developments can be recorded within a relatively short period. The point of emphasis here; is about the fate of dozens of passengers who were stranded on Tuesday at the Leopold sedar Airport because of the present crisis facing Air Senegel International. So what did we do when we landed at the airport in Dakar?

We [meaning Ebrima and Pierre] had to hire a taxi when we discovered through one young lady that we had two options: to purchase another ticket costing 310 dollars being cost of a one way airticket OR find another alternative. After the ordeal at the Indira Gandhi Airport regarding the 'sparks' with the 'controversial and confusing' tax payment. I know that if The Gambian spirit had not been there I would not have joined the flight. The other day, I argued with him that 'we' were exempted from the airport tax, he even confirmed it with one of The Ethiopian employee in Delhi. The dramatic scene with the Ethiopian employee once again indicated to me the unpredictible aspect of everything in life; the moment somebody tells you something; the next minute things can change.

In Banjul

My first impression of the city is the number of street lights have been fitted along the highway. This is undoubtedly giving Banjulians another opportunity not to leave the settlement that have been occupying for many years. True, many have left due to a number of factors, but there are still some pockets of 'die-hard' Banjulians who are ready to live in the city as long as it takes.

Then I moved into my home, at least some changes but my interest area was at our office; we have read in the Point newspaper that at long last; GRTS was closer to connecting to the satellite grid. Waw! this was one of the most interesting piece of news for us as foreign journalism students studying development Journalism in India.

As I continue to reconnect with friends, I discovered that the famous Nigerian rappers P Squarre are in town, and like Sizzla and Morgan fans, P Square by and large,have a large following especially among the small boys and girls. Some of them like ' I do you' song.

Its also amazing to notice the changes at the national television - new programmes and some new and old faces. Yea... truly, I have arrived, though not yet settled.... far from it.