1999 – Cote d’Ivoire – Part 3 Abidjan



Abidjan, even at the time when I was there, wasn’t considered safe for tourists. But we went there hoping to buy a plane ticket for me to leave the country. I had decided to leave Africa and return to Canada. However, when we arrived in Abidjan everything was closing down for a four day period over New Years. We were stuck in a dangerous town where all stores, banks, markets, travel agents, etc. were closed, with almost no money. Fortunately, the hotel people believed us when we assured them we would pay as soon as the banks opened (in 4 days time). By this point I was quite sick with pneumonia, so we spent some of our last cash on antibiotics, and the rest on food. It was so quiet in this time period; even though we were in the middle of a huge city there were hardly even any cars on the road.



Eventually Monday came, stores reopened, we got money, shopped at the lovely market, met nice people, ate good street food, and bought a ticket to Paris for me. I loved Ivory Coast, and met many genuinely wonderful people. We had one scary experience in Abidjan, but other than that we were left with only positive memories.


Travel tips/reflections: Be open while being cautious. Be honest and consistent about what you need, and people will generally be willing to help. Eat local food – it is a wonderful way to get to know local flavour, and will definitely help you become accepted more easily. Respect local customs – be modest, eat with your hand, be friendly.