Day 125 of 148 - ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST

 Date: 5/09/2024  Day 125  Port Day: ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST

Description: The Ivory Coast's largest city and former capital, skyscraper-studded Abidjan curves around placid Ebrié Lagoon. Being one of the world's largest French-speaking cities, it's often referred to as the "Paris of Africa." Abidjan's more affluent Le Plateau and Cocody neighborhoods exude a palpable European ambiance. Take in the city’s modern architecture whether visiting the Cathedrale St. Paul or La Pyramide. For those that prefer a comprehensive overview of Abidjan’s history, tour the National Museum, which houses an interesting collection of traditional art, including masks, pottery and wooden statues.

Planned Excursion: GRAND BASSAM Cancelled

8.0 Hours    Strenuous Activity    #ABJ-001

View the colonial buildings of Grand Bassam, briefly the capital of the Ivory Coast in the 1890s.  Gain a greater understanding of the Ivory Coast through fascinating exhibits at the National Costume Museum.  Lunch at the oceanside Assoyam Beach Resort and perhaps enjoy an invigorating dip afterward.  Browse Grand Bassam’s finest craft market and appreciate the handiwork of local artisans.

Today's Notes: Again today it was going to be a hot and humid day.  Also, reports from other's who were here on last year's World Cruise, this port was not to safe and to expect more of the same impoverish landscape.  We all decided to remain onboard, myself, Cathy, Joe and Pat.  So in the final analyst we just didn't want to spend hours on a bus to then get out into hot and humid weather to tour the sites.   Everyone did arrive back safe and without any reported issues.  We did talk to a couple who went on the tour we were booked on.  They said it was just OK and noted again now all the old colonial buildings were in bad need of repair and the tin roofed shack's residential neighborhoods.   

I watched two muti-bus caravans depart on their respective tour's.  They were accompanied by police escort's, front, middle and behind the bus caravans.  They were also followed by a medical support vehicles.  This is the second port-of-call where the ship felt it needed to take these measures to keep their guests safe.  Or it's possible the local authorities have required this level of safety.   

See Notes in the picture

See Notes in the picture

See Notes in the picture

See Notes in the picture

Police or military pier security patrolled most of the day.