This small country(the smallest in Africa)is a very special place.A colourful exotic country with a tropical climate, it realy feels like a totaly different world.Yet it is only 6 hours flight from London and on the same time zone. However,it is the people above all who make the place so endearing. Despite most being very poor,they are a very friendly HAPPY people who all live together peacefully,sharing various religions and customs.It is easy to see why The Gambia is known as *THE SMILING COAST* & indeed the people are very keen to promote themselves as this. Many visitors to the country opt to stay on the touristy Atlantic coast zone.However,for my partner and I the Gambian capital of Banjul is preferable. Banjul is not a big city ,in fact it is one of the worlds smallest capital cities.It is a real snapshot of Gambian life.