Abidjan, Ivory Coast

It was hot and humid on the Ivory Coast! We didn’t have a planned excursion in Abidjan yesterday so we decided to just ride the bus into the city center. They dropped us off in the financial area of a huge city. It was VERY different from the other places in Africa we’ve visited. Many men we saw were dressed in business suits. However, others who had excursions said that when you got out into the countryside, there was much poverty.

 

fishing boats entering port - Abidjan, Ivory Coast

locals yelling out to us as we come into port

coming ashore in Abidjan

small fishing boat greets the Insignia

 

Even though Abidjan started out as a small fishing village, it officially became a town in 1903 and is now the largest city and economic capital of the Ivory Coast. At its last census it boasted a population of 6.3 million (over 20% of the entire country). Besides being the economic capital of the country, it also is home to many political institutions and foreign embassies as well.

 

port security (notice machine guns)

 

colorful mural on building near shuttle pick up

 

The huge downtown area was full of people and traffic. However, they were not the kinds of businesses that you might want to browse through and there were still hawkers on the sidewalks wanting to sell belts, wallets and other items. There was no garbage lying all over the streets like we’ve seen elsewhere in Africa; however, the water as we came into port was full of garbage!

 

Just UGH!!

 

It was extremely hot and humid and we were drenched with sweat after just a short walk around. I was so ready to get on an air conditioned bus for the 15 minute ride back to the port! The few photos here are to help myself remember the experience; they certainly aren't representative of the entire city.

I mentioned earlier that Oceania has brought on 4 extra security personnel since we are still in an area that is known for its piracy. These guys sail back and forth in this area on different ships to prevent such an event. We had heard that one of the security officers was wearing a patch over his eye (interesting since his job is to be on the lookout for pirates)! Anyway, as we were eating lunch on the ship, we noticed a guy who fit the description and asked if he was special security. He admitted that he was and agreed to let me take his photo with Ronnie. They both gave me a thumbs up (gig 'em!)