Brikama College Picnic On The Beach

On Saturday Brikama college were holding a beach picnic for all lecturers which we had been invited to. When we arrived at 1 o’clock there were already quite a few other lecturers there including Amy, Rachel and Emma all of which were busy playing scrabble with some of the Gambians. We joined their table helping ourselves to some coffee and breakfast which consisted of a sausage, lettuce and tomato sandwich. Whilst there a film crew from GMTV were busy filming for a competition to win a holiday to the Gambia, this meant we had to turn the music down and talk quietly whilst this was taking place. Paul, Abigail and Bradley ventured into the sea with their body boards whilst I sat and watched. The weather was very windy and a little overcast however Paul still managed to get sunburnt whilst chatting to a couple of local lads. We had hoped that some of the lecturers would bring along their children so Abigail and Bradley would have some one to play with. The afternoon was spent sitting around which is the norm for Gambians. Bradley was starting to get a little bored and decided to lay in one of the hammocks, they were also feeling a little hungry as no food had been served. Amy, Rachel and Emma decided to give up and leave at around 4 o’clock. Ten minutes after they left the picnic started to liven up as the music was turned up and people got up to dance including an old bloke who must have been in his seventies, gosh these people can move. We waited a little longer and suddenly things started happening as bowls of food were brought out and drinks. The picnic consisted of fish benechin and vegetables. Bradley has surprised us both by really enjoying eating fish dishes, so it was no surprise when he tucked into the benechin with gusto. He is now eating most fish whether battered or not including sardines and prawns. Once lunch was finished the teachers gathered around as some announcements were made and some sparkly unalcoholic bubbly was passed around. One of the lady lecturers got up to dance and she went around everyone making sure they danced with her including Paul and me. At around 6.30pm we made our exit to leave only to be given a doggy bag, foil tray containing meat and noodles and a canned drink for us all.

Rachal & Emma