HI ,My brother and I have just returned from a d.i.y/ in KOTU. The house was just off Koloi highway, near Graces restaurant, rent 100 pounds for two weeks(overpriced a little).It was good fun living in with Gambians in gambian town.
The house was basic two bedrooms toilet and kitchen,electricity was courtesy of gambian electric or is it may lecky now and then.
Graces cafe is basic cafe very basic ,just like koloi.My oh my is it a sisters cafe (womens libbers) one sits by invite,or if your a naive man you sit and possibly get a drink. but at 15 dalasi who cares.
I must have been ok Grace cooked me lunch each day for no charge,THANKS GRACE.
Water was sufficient for washing body . dishes, but was Gambian maybe water on now off now.
A thought GMT is Gambian maybe time ,maybe its done maybe not.
bottled water was 25 dalasi a bottle
That I think was the same as locals paid,one shop tries to charge a discounted price of 1.30 pounds,well god loves a trier ,me I didnt ,just smiled and said no thanks,He lost a lot of trade over the fortnight

Our caretaker was Gambias oldest bumster, the so and so cut off water when we refused to bung him cash everyday,soon put a stop to that.
However we gathered up 40litres of tap water to wash and boil for dishes just in case.

We discovered just how expensive it is to live in Sennigambia area our taxi fares into almost any area was 40 dalasi less if a local travelled with you.
We soon found 2 local drivers only to willing to drive all day for a fixed price.
one car was a 15 year old merc going on 45years old (will post photos )
He would knock on our door at 9/10 every morning on the offchance to earn a few pounds, nice old guy.

We spent our days chilling in the yard strolling round koloi / koloi west /serrikunda and north. , talking too and meeting people.also had the odd trip to sennigambia to change money .local black market rate was worse than government rate. Locals told rate is down as the economy is doing so well and it gives more money to tourist to spend in gambia,,I am still trying to work out that theory ,lol

Local tailor did my trouser alterations and repairs and made a nice pair of trousers all for 15 pounds including large tip. recommend salief anyday.he is the small one room house /shop 100 metres up from Balmoral apartments.Ladies take a magazine pick material and he will make anything.you wish. His rate beats the large shop anyday .His work is good.
The welcome offered by locals was really nice ,once the bush drums had let others know we gave no hassle and expected none ,peeps became even friendlier.
Our cleaner was great, if you sat your fork or cup downshe washed it, the kitchen was cleaned even before she cooked the meal ,or so it seemed.
one darent take off a t-shirt it was in the washbasin,
she was in cleaning before we were out of bed or so it seemed.

There is a really good Gambian man (FRIEND ) who can always be found down around Balmoral apartments, His name is MUZAH, he is a font of gambian knowledge, its history culture language ,he and his 4x4 are well worth getting to know, he will take you places and tell you of all things Gambian,one comes back having known a good honest friend and been taught in a most interesting way,forget safaris find MUZAH (MOSES)you may find out his first name in a few years, but you will find ot when and where to go immediately.
ASK at dexters or mikels shop next to balmoral ,mike will send for him or tell you if he will be back or pm me for his number.
The cd I took of martin luther kings speeches was well recieved(I think ) I seen the copies doing the rounds never got it back ,but oh what a great thing not to have it returned

For me forget living in the transplanted european sections of gambia give me where I lived any day. ROLL on MARCH
ps flight booked already .just to find house now
cheers and enjoy your julbrew maxie.