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Social Profile
Food & Drink: Western food is available at most tourist hotels and restaurants, and some also serve Gambian food. Recommended dishes include benachin (also called ‘Jollof Rice’, a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables), base nyebe (rich stew of chicken or beef with green beans and other vegetables), chere (steamed millet flour balls), domodah (meat stewed in groundnut puree and served with rice), plasas (meat and smoked fish cooked in palm oil with green vegetables) served with fu-fu or mashed cassava chura-gertek (a sweet porridge consisting of pounded groundnuts, rice and milk). Local fruits like mangoes, bananas, grapefruit, papayas and oranges are delicious and are available in the markets.
A good selection of spirits, beers and wines is available. Jul Brew is the local speciality beer. Local fresh fruit juice is delicious.
Nightlife: In general the nightlife is subdued, although there are nightclubs in Banjul, Farjara, Bakau and Serrekunda. There are organised performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and dancing, and also fire-eating displays.
Shopping: Souvenirs can be bought in Banjul at the craft market across from MacCarthy Square and at bengdulalu (see Resorts & Excursions section). One of the most popular purchases is the Gambishirt, made of printed and embroidered cotton cloth, mostly in bright colours. Some of the souvenirs are gaudy, others exceedingly attractive. Woodcarvings, beaded belts, silver and gold jewellery and ladies handbags are also popular items. Other West African handicrafts made of straw, beads, leather, cloth or metal can be purchased here. Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 0900-1200 and 1430-1800, Fri-Sat 0900-1300.
Special Events: There are big celebrations at Christmas as well as during the Muslim festivals of Tabaski and Koriteh. Dance or acrobatic street shows can be seen at any time of the year. For further details, enquire at The Gambia National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section).
Social Conventions: Handshaking is a common form of greeting; Nanga def (‘How are you?’) is the traditional greeting. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand only should be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages on both banks of the River Gambia. Tipping: Ten per cent service charge is sometimes included in hotel and restaurant bills.
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