In The Gambia and I'm gobsmacked!

Wow! I think I've had the most humbling experience of my life today!

Today has been my first day in The Gambia and what an experience.

The airline managed to overload the plane and a number of bags were randomly taken off before we left Bristol yesterday morning. I was one of the lucky ones in that my main suitcase was left onboard, but a smaller holdall that included my washkit and more importantly my sandals were taken off to follow on Monday. Buying a razor this morning wasn't a problem, but I definitely don't want to be wearing socks for the next couple of days.

I was met at my hotel by Lamin Fofanah, the Chief Executive of Aid for Orphans and the Disabled (AFOD) at 9am. After spending some some time changing currency at the bank, we went on to Serrekunda. This is the largest conurbation in The Gambia and what an experience!

We walked through the market, chocablock with tiny stores and stalls selling everything you can possibly imagine, but I have to say I have never seen so many places selling sim cards for mobile phones.

I managed to get a nice pair of sandals at a knock down price negotiated by Lamin. So now have a little freedom for my toes.

Lamin then took me on to meet his family at their compound at Bundung Borehole. We followed what seemed like miles of dusty roads through un-named streets and the further we went the sandier the road became.

We arrived at the compound to be met by hoards of small children with the smiliest faces I have ever seen and was greeted by the Wolof term, Toubab, meaning White Man. It is very much a term of endearment. All the kids wanted to shake my hand, I felt like royalty.

Lamin's sister was sitting outside their home cooking a stew on a small fire, his grandmother immediately rushed indoors to put on her best frock ready for a photo.

I have never been so warmly welcomed anywhere I have visited before and I have to say that I have never met such happy people. The whole experience has been a major culture shock, apart from a portable TV in the home - essentially a collection of bedrooms, living takes place outdoors there was absolutely nothing similar to our homes in the UK.

After spending an hour or so at Lamin's home, a friend came to pick us up in his very old 4X4. The vehicle simply wouldn't start, despite his aggressive pumping of the accelerator pedal. Clearly a flooded engine, we wouldn't be getting a lift anywhere!

While Lamin and his friend tried to get the car started I was again mobbed by all the local children. It was absolutely brilliant, they started singing and dancing and teaching me phrases in Wolof and Mandinga. After a while I sat in the shade under a tree and taught them to count to ten in Welsh.

We eventually arrived at the AFOD office for a mini board meeting, before my official welcoming ceremony. This really was an experience. There were dozens of local people present, representing various local organisations and groups. We had a range of very formal presentations, and just as the agenda was being completed, the national TV arrived to film us for the 9 O'Clock News - so we did it all again!

In this part of The Gambia people still draw water from wells. Just behind where I was a sitting on the Top Table was the local well and thoughout the ceremony local women were coming up and drawing a bucket of water, filling large containers and carrying them off on their heads. This really has been an African experience...

I wouldn't have missed it for the world. And I feel most privileged to be here.