From the IMF Staff Newsletter "The African Times"...

 Andrew's First Trip to Africa

February 2002

When I was growing up in Wisconsin, I never dreamed I would ever step foot on the continent of Africa.  Even one year ago as I celebrated my twenty-second birthday at State Street Brats in Madison, Wisconsin, if someone at my party that night would have told me that I would celebrate my next birthday in West Africa...well I wouldn't have believed it.  But these things did come to pass, because I was lucky to be part of the IMF mission to The Gambia during February 2002.

Before leaving, I was nervous and excited at the same time.  I had never been farther than western Europe, and had certainly never been to a developing country.  In addition, it was my first IMF mission, and I had no idea what to expect.  But as our journey began at Dulles Airport, I knew everything would be fine.  We had a great group of people on the mission team including Robin Kibuka, Meshack Tjirongo, Markus Haacker, Rania Al-Mashat, and Ramatu Kabia.  I knew these people were easygoing and would help me adjust to the mission environment.

After interesting stops in Paris and Dakar, Senegal, we finally arrived in The Gambia.  As the plane parked on the tarmac, I was impressed by the modern airport terminal.  After getting our bags, we left the airport and were greeted by our drivers for the first time.  As we drove towards our hotel, I was in awe of my surroundings.  I kept looking left and right, noticing the exotic trees, African-style homes, hand-painted billboards, and people walking along the side of the road.   It was so different than anything I had experienced before, but I was loving every minute of it. 

After settling in to our hotel, we began our work the next day.  During our mission, we met with the Finance Minister and the Governor of the Central Bank, and countless other interesting people.  Through these meetings, I absorbed so much information about The Gambia, such as knowledge about its political and banking system, trade issues, airline flights, agriculture, tourism, and the big problems facing the country.

But certainly only part of my experience was work-related.  I ventured from the hotel many times and made a few new friends.  During one particularly amazing sunset over the Atlantic ocean, I started talking to the security guard posted on the beach.  His name was was Karamo Sonko.  As he opened up to me about his life, I learned he was a new father to a baby boy, and was having a ³baby naming ceremony² at his house in a couple days.  This was an opportunity that could not be missed.  When the day finally arrived, I was transported to his village in the back of a Jeep, wearing no seatbelt and holding on for dear life.  Luckily, nothing happened and I arrived safely. 

Initially, I noticed the stark contrast between the way the typical Gambian and American family lives.  But soon I forgot about the lack of material possessions and was overwhelmed by the kindness of the people at his home. 

After going back to the hotel, I felt so grateful for having experienced the real Gambia. 

We also did some sightseeing on our trip.  One afternoon, Rania, Markus, and myself went with our driver Lamin to the Crocodile Pool.  I imagined before arriving that the crocs would be contained nicely behind fences, but upon arrival we were pleasantly surprised to see the crocs doing as they pleased with no containment at all.  They could go wherever they wanted.  Luckily, they were not hungry when we were there and we even got to touch them. 

After leaving the Crocodile Pool, we traveled to a nature preserve.  There we saw monkeys, hyenas, and lions.  However, this time the more threatening animals were nicely contained.  It was a good opportunity to see these animals in their native continent, and I hope I can visit again on my next mission.

When I think of Africa now, I am flooded with all the wonderful memories of my time there such as the people I met, the incredible beauty of the country, the intense dinner conversations with the rest of the mission team, my birthday, Valentine¹s Day, and visiting Dakar.  As long as I live, I will keep these memories strong in my mind, and know that my first trip to Africa changed me forever.