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Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Aug 2010 : 13:48:07
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Hello everyone,
I have just returned from a very hot (and sometimes wet!!) trip and thought I'd share a few things with you all. The price of flour is ridiculously high - before Ramadam it was 6 hundred and something - whilst I was there it rose to 975 and some places were asking 995 for a bag. Some of my friends have a small bakery (we thought it would be a good business) and they are working all hours just to break even. Tapalapa was therefore 5 dalassi not 4 which is hard on local people who were cross with the bakery but they didn't have any choice. The business men in Banjul must be (I fear) making huge profits out of the litttle people yet again as they are controlling the prices at the port). It's interesting to note, however, that the "big man's" bakery on Kairaba Avenue was selling some bread for D3.5 (wonder where he gets his flour from!). There were queues. Sugar is also way up though I paid 780 for rice which was about the same as last visit.
I managed to get 46.5 D for a pound - which was good for me and the person who exchanged it wasn't losing money either.
The place was quieter than any other time when I have been in the rainy season (and less rain this time too!). Some tourists - mainly Spanish and a few English and Dutch. Nice atmosphere with little hassling and a more relaxed approach - tourists I met on the plane coming home all loved their visit. There were also a lot more Indian businessmen around and it is quite clear that a lot of deals are going on (and Koreans and Tawainise). One guy I spoke with had a meeting with Mr Jammeh (although Mr Jammeh wasn't meant to be "in the country").
Finally just a couple of points which really irritate me (So I thought I would share them!!).
1. Grade 9 and Grade 12 results will come out at the end of Septmeber. Interviews for GTTI and the University end on August 27th. For University (and some GTTI courses) you must have your grade 12 results attached - go figure! Some students will be sitting for another year, joining late (if they are very lucky) or missing out altogether.
2. One of my friends is diabetic - I give her money for medicines and a neighbour stores them in her fridge. This time the mediciens she was given have 9/2009 on them. How fair is that?
And - just to end: I had a really good time. Most of my friends are well - though, as usual, we take three steps forward and two and a half back!
Best wishes to you all.
Lily
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2010 : 16:40:08
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| Thank you Lily, bantaba has been quiet slow recently the vast amount of "discussion" was about politics the UDP,catch up if you are interested but its been rather dull in local matters,your post is refreshing thanks. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 14:46:41
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Hi Lily! Good to hear that you enjoyed your holiday and that your friends are reasonably well. Just talked to my ex who confirmed your picture on the prices, they are sooo high. Now, during the ramadan sugar that used to cost 700 dls now is 1500 dls in the upcountry. There are only two days of ramadan left so the prices will probably go down a bit.
Thanks also for info about school results, useful for me to know as I am supporting a schoolgirl. |
kiwi |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 16:18:20
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Kiwi,As you are supporting a schoolgirl I thought that this topic which is about results may interest you if the pupil has taken exams:
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9674 |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kiwi
Sweden
662 Posts |
Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 18:49:34
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Thanks Toubab  |
kiwi |
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