The day starts with pick-up from your accommodation and transfer to Ida's house. Here, you will put on a traditional Gambian outfit – a skirt, blouse and headdress for the ladies and colourful shirts for the men.

We head to the local fishing market to buy the ingredients for the day, for example, fresh vegetables and freshly caught fish. The Senegalese fishermen come to this beach every day to sell their fish. You will see an amazing variety of fish and fresh vegetables here. This is where the locals buy their groceries.

Back at Ida's house, you will pound the vegetables and prepare and cook a traditional Gambian meal to be shared and eaten with Ida and the rest of the group. To fully bring out the flavours takes time, which is spent talking and playing local games.

The meal is enjoyed in the garden setting, with everyone tucking into the large platter of beautifully presented food. A typical dish often made is the Benachin, a popular and traditional ‘one-pot’ dish originating from the Wolof ethnic group.

After the meal, traditional tea will be served with fruit, and it is time to relax, share your stories and exchange cultural ideas.