The Treasures of Cote D'Ivoire

Panoramic view of the capital, Abidjan, from L'Cathedral d'Abidjan.

I just got back from the Ivory Coast.  It's also approaching a year since the last time I shared bits from my West African life.  So, here I am, eager to tell you about my trip!

How did I find myself in Abidjan and Grand Bassam, Cote D'Ivoire?

About a month ago, a friend asked I was interested in going there for a long weekend.  I said "YES!"  It's been something I've been wanting to do before I left West Africa.

Overlooking the city of Abidjan

It was worth it!

There are many things I deeply appreciated about Cote D'Ivoire:  resurrecting my French, abundant local transportation, Ivorian hospitality, salsa-dancing in Abidjan, canoing on the lagoon, melt-in-your-mouth croissants, "poisson braise e alloco" (fresh grilled fish and plantains) daily.

This was only the beginning of the treasures we experienced.

Market women in anticipation

Perfectly lit photo inside the cathedral:  Me, travel buddy and Ivorian friend

On of many beautiful stained glass pictures in the Cathedral. 

Breakfast table and lovely garden at Abidjan B&B

We spent two days in Abidjan and three days in Grand Bassam.  

Grand Bassam was the location of the recent attack. We didn't stay at the same hotel, if that's any consolation.  If someone hadn't told me I wouldn't have know there was an attack recently.  The village was large but peaceful.  Our lodging was perfectly situated between a lagoon and a beach. 

My "giraffe" room at the lagoon

Strolling through the neigborhood "Modeste"

Fresh fish

Canoeing on the lagoon

"Delicious: Natural Honey"

However, the thing(s) I loved the most were the local arts and products.  I enjoyed them so much.

The longer I am in West Africa the more I am struck and saddened by how much the local popular cultures do not attribute as much value to local artists and products as they merit.  These countries have gifts from God that are in stunning abundance and are often underutilized.  In Cote D'Ivoire I was pleased as punch to find many great items.

Below are several products which I also consider treasures of the Ivory Coast:

Peanuts, candied peanuts and dried (hot) ginger

Locally produced Ivorian figurines

Awoulaba woman in front of figures-in-progress

"Awoulaba" woman: Ivorian art accentuating curvy women

Local chocolate

Locally made clay necklace

Batik (cloth-dye painting)