Biggest differences between being in The Gambia vs South Africa?

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In South Africa I was often cold. In The Gambia I am hot all the time. 

In South Africa I woke up around dawn and went to bed soon after sunset. In The Gambia I have stayed up until sunrise and slept in half the day. 

In The Gambia you must take precautions against malaria. This is not a problem in South Africa. 

The Gambia is predominantly Muslim; Islam did not have such a presence in South Africa. 

Neighboring countries were more accessible to visit in South Africa. Trying to visit Senegal while in The Gambia was difficult and expensive. 

Completely different landscape. South Africa was so mountainous. The Gambia is very flat. 

Also different wildlife. No chance of seeing zebra or giraffe in The Gambia. 

Eating in The Gambia is a very social event. It is expected that everyone comes together and everyone eats out of the same bowl (usually a rice based dish). With the exception of the braai in South Africa, meals were not nearly as social. 

Everyone in The Gambia seemed to know about Peace Corps. 

Certain cities in South Africa feel very European. In The Gambia you never forget you are in Africa. 

And many more differences. So many people have a tendency to view Africa as one great country, but in reality each country is very different from the next. South Africa and The Gambia were very different worlds. Different languages, different histories, different foods, different cultures. It was great to see and experience these differences firsthand. 

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