Cote d'Ivoire People & Culture

A sleepy tropical village grown to metropolis because of being the birth place of Pres. Houphouet-Boigny. Is dominated by a vast Catholic church and health centre, which is officially Vatican Territory. The church has several hectares of stained glass, with only two Africans represented, Houphuet-Boigny keels at the feet of the infant Christ together with the three Magi, on of whom is an African. Abundance and poverty coexist, leading to some emotional dissonance at the sight of both. Focus on the people and not on the extravagance, or extravagant lack, of things, they are wonderful.

I ve grown up for two years in bouake, next to the bush. Grat time with mother nature and good people at the bamby school

The people here were friendly, in spite of what was going on in the urban areas.  All the children mugged for the cameras.   Tip: Take pictures liberally (after you've asked permission) then show them to the subjects.  The kids will be thrilled, their parents will be at ease.  Bring gifts for allowing their photos. You'll want to stay at the IBIS on the hill overlooking the valley. Will really help to know French.

A cornocopia of sites and scents to thrill evn the most jaded traveler. Be sure to visit the Market at Marcory for fantastic deals (bargain as though your life depends on it). The foods are freshtastic.

The one must thing to see in Yamoussoukro is the Basillique De Notre Dam De La Paix. I remember arriving into Yamoussoukro and seeing the giant dome off in the distance. The dome is only slightly shorter the St. Peters because of Papal request. It has 7400 sq metres of stained glass windows and like 7000 or 8000 individual air conditions seats although they are rarely turned on. It was really quite the sight to see considering it's location. And it only cost US$ 300,000,000 to construct.

Another kick is to go the Ivory Hotel and see the only ice rink north of the Zambezi River.. not sure it has ever had ice, but what the hell..
Also, a visit to the Banco Forest is neat.

abidjan is place where an normal tourist should never go.maybe is good for smuggling but not for tourism

If you can find someone trust worthy to show you around that would be the best, Ivory hotel will make you a ridiculous deal if you bargain hard with them, and the pools is clean, but DO NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF THE HOTEL, unless you want to end up getting arrested or your camera taken, then be very polite and show them the pics if you have a digital camera or else your role of film is gone