SIL-Abidjan

My flight went smoothly after a late start with passengers standing into their boarding lanes for what seemed like an eternity. Some excuse was given, but it was muffled and I was unable to hear the announcement over the general din of airport traffic. Abidjan's airport is reasonably modern, but as I burst through the gates after finally recouping my baggage I was greeted by hoards of people and young men eager to earn a few francs (Fcfas) by offering their assistance. Against my better judgement, I let one help me with an Orange SIM card. His services, while probably legitimate, likely cost me a good deal more than necessary. At any rate, at least I had a functioning phone for the Côte d'Ivoire, as my French and Burkina Faso SIM cards did not work. Laurel was there, thankfully, to pick me up, to my great relief.

My accommodations in Abidjan are adequate. My first night was spent in a large apartment, shared with an Ivoirienne named Evelyne--the same place as last year only in a different bedroom. I have now moved to my own tiny quarters, which is about the size of my French place. It is clean, and functional, albeit a bit sorry looking...  Some bright paint and colorful curtains and bedding might do for a start.. oh well...  I did, however, swap the locations of two pictures and the wall-calendar...

[I am nearer the area that says Cocody and not that circled in red]

My location is really quite an urban setting.  The area where the SIL Center is situated is the Cocody section of town, north of the city, and the particular area is known as the Riviéra Golf. There are several contemporary-looking high-rise buildings nearby, although the neighborhood evidences mixed economic levels, and some windows and balconies sport broken furnishings and laundry.  While modern automobiles whizz by, there are umbrella stands on street corners where the marginalized poor often sit and attempt and eke out a living selling what they can.  A busy highway runs by the SIL Center and I took my life in my hands when I decided to walk to the French Casino grocery store less than a half mile away, but had to cross the road at rush hour.  Pedestrian lights exist, but they are apparently invisible to drivers.  That morning I waited through 3 light cycles and NOBODY stopped...  On Saturday morning, though, I noticed a motorcycle policeman giving out tickets and I felt like cheering...

View from my window 

Here you can see the highway

Unlike Ouagadougou, which is hot, dry, and cloudless at this time of year, Abidjan is usually overcast, humid and lush.  From what I can tell, people here in meager circumstances resemble those in Ouaga, dressing and conducting their lives in a similar fashion. On the other hand, western-style clothing is common among the more well off, so my African clothing is more needed for my upcoming travels to Bamako and Ouaga.  I am so glad I remembered to bring the African items I had left in my Paris apartment for safekeeping.  This will be a very different experience.

Abidjan is usually overcast, humid and lush