When we neared port the sky was heavy with fog and the burn off from the gas towers beaconed us like sirens on a rocky shore.
The Ivory Coast gained its independence from France in 1960. French is still its primary language however 60+ languages are spoken. This suggests it is still quite tribal. There are two capitals – Abidjan is the economic capital (where we docked) and Yamoussoukro is the political capital.
Today was our first shore excursion with the cruise line.
It was to be a panoramic drive to the town of Grand Bassam. Abidjan is a large city with LA like high rises on the horizon. The traffic was utter gridlock. Two motorcycle police escorts guided two busses like Frogger through the congestion. At times, they closed lanes on our side and when possible had us driving in the lane of oncoming traffic. The front row seat offered the perfect amount of excitement.
Photo ops had to found between the tour notices taped to the window, a broken windshield and rear view mirrors. Our stops were a tiny museum and two craft fairs where hungry shopkeepers begged us to take a free look. Needless to say we lasted about 20’ at the first market and didn’t enter the second. Other than getting to watch “life” from the bus, the tour was a bust but we understand that developing countries like this are doing the best they can to entertain us weary travelers.
I love watching the constant movement of people. Driving, walking, selling…. The world is a buzz. Woman are skilled at carrying their “stores” on their heads – from food to sandals. Without business license rules/laws, others just take their umbrella, stick it in the ground and set up shop! No rules.
Interesting – babies are named by the day of their week on which they were born. They are also given family names but their birth certificates list their weekday names. Boys names differ from girls.
Away from the city the French colonial influence is quite evident. The architecture of that era, the ubiquitous pale yellow paint combined with the latitude create a feeling of French Indochina.
65% of the population is Christian, 25% Muslim and the balance Traditional aka. Voodoo. Be sure not to tick someone off or they just might make a pin doll with your image.
