Simple living

Our lives have become so busy that we forget why we are here. How did we get to this point? Why have we become so dependent on a steady income simply to be able to live, even though living doesn’t really cost anything? We have made up the term “work-life balance” as if they are two separate things, and that we need to take time off life – for what? Life is life, as they say, and in some areas of the world money is so difficult to come by that living in itself becomes the only way. We have so much to learn from going back in time, feeling into our basic needs far away from the money wheel. How do people survive on very little money? How do they make beauty from what nature provides? How do they manage by sharing what they have?

Why leave it to “them”? Why not try it out for yourself?

Our retreat provides a safe space to feel for yourself how you can get by with very little, and still feel you have enough.

Simple housing

We have a couple of rooms available in our own house for those in need of warm showers and a slightly higher standard of living, but most of the rooms on the premises are simple, traditional roundhouses consisting of a bedroom and toilet/shower. All houses have small verandas. The restaurant is avaliable at all hours, and so are the little huts in the garden. Living in the Gambia is not an indoor life.

The Beach

The Gambian beach stretches from the southern border with Senegal and almost to Banjul, so there will always be enough space for you to sunbathe, go for walks and splash out in the Atlantic Ocean. From our garden you can hear the waves breaking, and a two minute walk will take you right to it.

Go on a treasure hunt! Shells and fish and beach bars, there’s a lot to learn, to collect and new friends to find.

The Village

The village is only a walking distance away. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers – a stranger is just a friend you haven’t talked to yet. But you will. Here, the children are raised to love foreigners, and when they shout “Toubab!” they are simply showing that they are thrilled to see you. At the market, friendly women are pleased to sell what they have on offer, at a price that makes you want to pay more. You don’t feel pressured to buy anything, but knowing that if you do, you will help put rice on the table for their family. This makes shopping an entirely different experience.

You might want to visit the lokal hospital, simply to see that it is, in fact, possible to prevent and heal disease even in these conditions, you might even feel you want to volunteer. A visit to the village gives perspective transcending your personal needs.

Walks and excursions

Walking in itself is healthy. Your feet can take you to so many interesting places. Walking together gives time to talk, to let things sink in.

We offer excursions to places worth seeing at your wish. If you are into snakes and crocks, there is a reptile farm close by, if you like boat trips, there is the river south of Kartong with Senegal minutes away. Brikama Market is a chaotic must.

A part of our family

Family is very important in the Gambia. So is openness and friendliness. If you want to really live the Gambian way you will be a part of our family and join us in our everyday activities. We cook together, serve together, eat together. We let the weather decide when to work and when to relax. We talk and sing and laugh together. As a part of the family you will also have a say in what to do. We gather the kids for some serious art-making, or whatever takes our fancy.

That is what we aim for. We make meaningful days. We take the time. Whatever will be will be. What is, is. We might as well make the very most of it.