The Republic of Cote d’Ivoire May 7, 2008

Despite the troubles in 2002, the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire still keeps its West African feel of a relaxed and welcoming country.

The official language in Ivory Coast is French although there are many African dialects which can be easily picked up if you stay for more than 3 or 4 weeks. The country borders Liberia, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana. The Gulf of Guinea is the main resource for the south of the country. Like many of its neighbours, the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire was a French colony and you will realise when looking at Africa how straight the border lines are. This was done by the colonials without taking into account the tribes and lands of the people. There are more than 60 different ethnic groups in Ivory Coast with the main one being Baoule.

Although the capital is Yamoussoukro, Abidjan remains the main administration centre and the largest city. An anecdote one of my friends told me was that when the French Embassy had a party they would put two different times on the invitation card. One at 8 pm for the expats and one at 7 pm for the locals to make sure they are on time.

Again in the Gambia, the GTM time is funnily called the Gambia Maybe Time… this are just a couple of example illustrating that one must not be in a hurry when visiting West Africa and you just have to go with the flow.

Places:

Abidjan, the former capital is probably as lively as it gets and the main centre for foreign expats to go to. You can also see the home of famous reggae singer, Alpha Blondy. The national museum hosts a collection of artifacts, statues, ivory and local culture. Le plateau is also a unavoidable stop-by for tourists with a numerous shops and parks. If you fancy a nice night out you should head towards Treichville where you will find pubs, bars, clubs in abundance.

Les lagunes is also a favourite where you can go and relax by the sea with a lot of water sports and dirt tracks on offer.

Other than that I would recommended taking a road trip of a few days in the brousse so see wildlife and experience the dodgy roads and old 4 by 4!

Food:

As far as I’m concerned it’s all about the fried plantain! You’ll find them for breakfast, lunch and dinner! The other main food is cereal which ranges from cassava, yams and taro along side fish.

Recommended Websites, Books, Music:

August Cornelius Yao Azaglo, Photographs from Ivory Coastshows a magnificent array of pictures.

Any of the Alpha Blondy albums which include ‘Fanta Dialo’ or ‘Jerusalem’

http://www.africaguide.com/country/ivoryc/culture.htm gives an nice overview on what to see, do and know.