The Smiling Coast of West Africa

Unbelievably, the holiday I optimistically predicted in September last year actually happened! So my new Sunseeker bikini joined me this February for a sunshine fix in Africa...
http://cobwebandpeaseblossom.blogspot.com/2011/09/final-fling-beach-blonde-and-bikinis.html 
...or more specifically, The Gambia: The Smiling Coast of West Africa.



Initially I thought it would simply be a sun-drenched week lying on the beach, but there was so much to see...


Cape Point Beach:

Sunshine's Beach Bar - where we were visited by a beautiful blue bird 

Not quite what you expect when you're told your next door neighbours are wild...3 crocodiles lived in a lagoon adjacent to our hotel

Banjul Ferry Port in South Gambia:

While waiting for a ferry to cross the River Gambia, a cobbler took great delight in a crack in the sole of some of my very old, but very loved, lace-up plimsols. He fixed it beautifully for 100 delasi (about 2 pounds)

 Senegal:

While visiting Senegal, our ranger tracked down a 2 month old male giraffe as we weaved down dirt tracks in the 2000 hectares of Fathala...

...and also took our 4x4 within 3 metres of a 3 tonne white rhino - he was absolutely beautiful

Bakau:

A goat - roaming the streets of our local town Bakau - enterprisingly used a Mercedes as a leg up to lunch 

Bakau fishing port

Me soaking up the rays on our beautiful beach in Cape Point

Magical Madrid

A long (birthday) weekend wasn't enough time to even scratch the surface of this magical city, but here's what we managed to cram in during three days of pavement pounding...

Parque del Retiro boasts vast and surprisingly fresh grassy areas whilst simultaneously offering hundreds of hidden nooks and crannies to tuck yourself away for an al fresco siesta. Jolly buskers line the edge of the great flat lake, where rowing boats are available to rent for 45 minute stints at less than a fiver (- which we discovered was an ideal length of time to enjoy chorizo baguettes and a cerveza whilst drifting idly between others partaking in similar boat lounging).

The numerous squares ooze atmosphere and locals give the impression of having all the time in the world at their disposal. We feasted on  tapas - tuna, duck, tempura at Lateral in Plaza Santa Ana - delicious and extremely reasonably priced.


Calle Velarde (near Plaza dos de Mayo) – is a grimey little street lined with graffiti and vintage shops. Biba Vintage and La Mona Checa both hoard plenty of exciting items waiting to be discovered - the red and white striped skirt hanging inside the Biba Vintage door is now mine...


Centro de Arta Reina Sofia boasts works by Goya, Dali and Picasso's Guernica, and what's more a little cafe outside served some of the best calamari I've ever had.

Farewell Phoebe

Supper last night

Was such a delight,

All the blonde hair and heels

Tottered to PJ’s for meals,

Mussels all round, bar one burger and cheese,

No points for guessing who the last one would feed,

Plus an abundance of wine

A necessity when we dine,

With Foxy as host

We all had the most

Wonderful evening,

But why are you leaving?

The occasion was sad

We lose you to your new fad,

Leaving Strong all alone

In your Vera Road home,

To babysit Gleave

And eat lots of cheese,

It’s so sad you must leave

Will you stay if we plead?

Though I'm sure you'll find love overseas

Always update us please,

On what you are doing

And who you are wooing,

But keep your work on track

And when you come back

A lawyer you will be

At Baker and Mackenzie.

Farewell Phoebe

We will deffo miss thee

But your Indian dream

Will be truly serene.

XxXx