Page 85 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2025 GRAND VOYAGE
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he sun rose over Banjul, Gambia, as
we embarked on a shore excursion
T into the heart of this small West
African nation. A former British colony,
Gambia's character is shaped by diverse
ethnic groups, each with unique lan-
guages and traditions. Our itinerary in-
cluded sacred groves, crocodiles, and a
monkey forest.
Our first stop was a grove of baobab
trees, revered as the "Tree of Life." These
ancient trees, some living for over a thou-
sand years, have both spiritual and prac-
tical significance. A local guide explained
how every part of the baobab is used,
from its fruit to its seeds and leaves. Cut-
ting one down is taboo.
We then traveled through a neighbor-
hood in Banjul's old town, a stark contrast
to the serene baobab grove. Tumbledown
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