Mon cœur en Côte d'Ivoire, Afrique

Translation.....My Heart in Cote d'Ivoire, Africa......

Several years ago I traveled with friends to the African country of Cote d'Ivoire.  The photo is a picture from our hotel.  It is the commercial version of the beautiful, colorful women of this country.

We stayed in Abidjan, a city of 5 million.  I have never seen so many people.  As the commerce/financial hub of Cote d'Ivoire, the city was bustling and busy.

Pictures tell the story about a country of contrasts....from ultra modern and cultural to villages without running water and electricity.

A village chief

 The vegetation was breathtaking....

 

We were guests at garden dinner parties and ocean side picnics...

French is the language of choice in Cote d'Ivoire.  Most of the time, we were privy to translators to help us along the way.  When they were not in attendance..it was non-stop laughing at ourselves and many quizzical eye brow liftings from the Ivorians.

But...it was the children who captured my heart...

 They were so curious about us and our whiteness..... shyly, tentatively touching our skin.




We came prepared with candy and small toys to share with the children. 

Their genuine excitement and gratitude over bracelets and trinkets was humbling.

How we wished we would have packed more...

Little beauty in a pink dress....

It was the journey of a lifetime...

This multi-faceted country intrigued me in so many ways...

An ocean-side artisan hand painting a tablecloth

These women were selling the most delicious bread I have ever tasted and a sweet drink made from a local flower.

Surprise!!  Baby on board!

 The Ivorian people were gracious and giving....welcoming.... overflowing with hospitality.  They opened their homes to us.....prepared their delicious foods....ate with us in friendship...celebrating our differences and our sameness.

Most likely, I will never see them again in my lifetime... but they are forever imprinted on my heart....