Last day in Abidjan (15 August 2013)

What a fantastic day. We met Prof Obrou at our hotel lobby just on time.  Since it was a holiday, we had nothing to do unless going around until our flight time. Prof Obrou started our tour by driving us to Treichville district where most West Africans (Senegalese and Ghanaian) reside and run small business. We went there just exchange dollar into CFA at the private forex (they call it black market).  Then we drove off to Grand Bassam, which is close  to where Prof Obrou lives, just to enjoy the Mediterranean ocean breath at the beach. It is very Amazing to hear that, in many African countries still the former colonial power has a visible control of its former colonies. We saw a huge French military base just nearby the countries major international airport. We asked Prof Obrou about it, and his replies were obvious. He said this base has been there even before the 2011 political unrest.

  

Enjoying the Mediterranean ocean breath at Grand Bassam beach!! 

We went to one of the beautiful beach-side restaurant for lunch. We had no plan to have lunch there actually. We found out that if we came only for the beach we have to pay 2000 CFA (~$4) per person, but if we have lunch there the beach will be free. However, the restaurant is a bit higher than the nearby restaurants. At the beach we enjoyed the water a little bit, and had a nice lunch. After lunch Prof   Obrou invited us to see his small pig farm. on our way to his farm we got an opportunity to see the landscape of the countryside of Ivory Coast. It is so beautiful and so green. We arrived at his farm and saw his pigs. We also had a chance to visit  the nearby chickens farm, rubber tree forest (it is my first time I saw rubber trees), and cassava trees. BTW, recently I listen VOA radio that one man is trying his level best to introduce cassava as an alternate and healthy food to the northern part of Ethiopia. Good idea, it is really good food.

 The first Catholic church in Abidjan!

 Pics with Cassava tree at Prof Obrou's farm!

 Prof Obrou's pig farm!

 The rubber juice (black vertical strip) is coming out of Rubber tree

 The oldest kingdom of the Grand Bassam

 

Afterwards, we went to gift shops on our way back to the airport, and we bought something. Finally, before even noticed it, our time in Abidjan in particular and in Africa in general is coming to end so fast, and Prof Obrou drove us to the airport just before the Sun denies its brightness for the day. What a wonderful hospitality, Obrou!! Thank you so much and looking forward to continue enjoying our brotherly friendship forever!!!