Third Day in Abidjan (11 August 2013)

As I said yesterday, there was nothing to do today. I had a chance to do my other business in the morning. In the afternoon, we went for walk around for exploration. The street was absolutely quiet, except a few taxis roaring around. We went to St. Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan. It took 82 years to complete the construction, and can accommodate upto 3500 people at a time. It was designed by an Italian architect Aldo Spirito, and first consecrated by Pope John Paul II during his first pastoral visit to Côte d'Ivoire on 11 May 1980. His (Pope John Paul II) statue is standing outside the church. The crucifixion exemplary towers are fascinating, and if you are strong and would like to climb about 250 stairs, you can go to the top and enjoy the view of the entire Abidjan. We were so fortunate and climbed all the stairs, with an inclination of about 45 degree, all the way to the top of the central tower. O! the view? well! what can you say, except simply marvelous!!!

 Partial side view of St. Paul's Cathedral in Abidjan

Enjoying the view of Abidjan city from the top of the tower!!!

Although Saint Paul's Cathedral served as a refuge shelter for approximately 1,800 Ivorian fleeing violence during the height of the 2011 Ivorian political crisis that engulfed Abidjan, but it was escaped from being damaged. The beautifully architected roof of the cathedral has been damaged partially as shown in the picture below. That caused leakage in some part of the church, and water buckets are everywhere in the church to collect the leakage. We were told that it was already estimated that 12M Euro is required to renovate/repair the damage.

 Partially damaged roof of the Cathedral

Ivorian has one of the best national soccer team, and wonder how much this stadium contribute to it:)  

 

 Another beautiful view of the city from the cathedral tower!

Our free day concluded successfully. After our visit to the cathedral, we decided to go and have dinner outside our hotel. We were recommended, by the receptionist, the French restaurant. The reception guy arranged a taxi for us, and surprisingly the taxi driver speaks fluent English. Unfortunately or fortunately, the French restaurant was closed. We asked the taxi driver what other restaurant that he can recommend. He responded right away and recommended us the best African restaurant. It was in deed the best, and we had excellent evening. What a wonderful day!!.
Now, we are back to our hotel and very much excited and a bit nervous to find out the fate of our instrument tomorrow. We will meet Prof Obrou at 8:00am here at our hotel. Please do not stop from wishing the best of the best for us!!