The Gambia (aka The Marcos Experience/Hottest Chilli Ever)

Woke up in agony in Janjanburreh, almost spooning Barney (very, very tiny bed), and took a wander round our encampenment. Turned out to be a group of lodges in a fenced off piece of land belonging to a forestry commission, right on the river's edge.

As we left the camp we were surrounded by about eight kids and four adults, all very happy and wanting to chat to us. They'd helped us with our bags the night before, and took us to "the Mauritanian" who ran the store to change some African Francs to Gambian Dalasi. Sounds like someone out of a Bond film! Changed some cash and got some bread and biscuits for lunch - decided to cheap it up. We moved all our stuff to another lodge, still only two beds so another card game. Marcos, a local who helped us get around the town sat in our little 'living' room, but the guardian of the camp (Imbrahim) came in saying locals aren't allowed in the camp! Made us think a bit.

We wanted to see the other side of the river (where there was another camp and wild monkeys), and guess who helped us out - wouldn't leave us alone - Marcos. We took a pirogue, that sat very low in the water and took ages to get across. Nothing much over there, apart from Marcos trying to sell us a boat trip downriver. We said we'd check with Ibrahim for another price. Did see some very cheeky wild monkeys, coming right up to the buildings and stealing food! Pretty cool.

Organised a boat trip with Ibrahim to see some hippos and other wildlife for the next day and ate at a roadside shack, well actually on the road SIDE itself. Not busy, and felt nice, as we got chatting to an elderly lady who was talking about "education being the way forward". Ate what I thought was a bell pepper but turned out to be the hottest thing I've ever tasted! Hotter than any Jalapeno or even Scotch Bonnet. Eye watering pain. Took all my strength to not cough everywhere, and in the interest of good manners I ate it all. Then there was a power cut - we ate by torchlight which was an interesting experience!

Marcos was close by at all times though...