Hello, fellow explorers! Embarking on my very first ‘international’ flight trip was a delightful experience that submerged me with a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn’t contain my excitement, particularly because it marked my maiden voyage ushering in the new year outside my home country. This decision was entirely intentional, setting the stage for a remarkable journey of exploration.
Before anything, I headed to Wakanow where I got a return flight ticket from Lagos to Abidjan for 302,704 naira via Air Cote D’Ivoire. Hopefully some days, we will experience cheap air tickets fare within Africa. It was during those times when Covid was still around, and you definitely need a vaccination certificate to fly. I was almost denied boarding because I took my vaccine less than 30 days before the flight.
Passing through the boarding gates, I encountered a delightful surprise. Artist Oxlade and Pheelz came in, waiting to board to the same flight to Abidjan. To be sincere, it never looked like an international trip, I mean the Air Cote d’Ivoire could have been better in terms of the in-flight entertainment.
Upon landing in Abidjan, I was pleasantly surprised by the effortless immigration process. There were no unnecessary delays or queues at the airport, and to my delight, no airport personnel sought gifts or bribes. My next destination was Hotel LAVIDA, where I would stay throughout my adventure. The cost for a two-adult stay, including breakfast, amounted to XOF 404,379. While the daily breakfast was appreciated, I found myself yearning for a more diverse menu. I mean i got a repeated continental breakfast daily.
Getting around in a country with a different language is definitely one hell, thanks to Google Translate for minimizing how crazy I looked and sounded while passing my phone to natives to say something into my phone so it can translate into English. Cote d’Ivoire is a country where Mobile Money is widely used and this made me get an Orange SIM card. I was able to use Orange Money and Wave Money. This really made it very easy for me to make payments.
Though I departed Lagos without a strict itinerary, I researched the city’s attractions on TripAdvisor and Google Maps. To get around, I relied on Yango Taxi, which proved to be a convenient choice. My first stop was the awe-inspiring St. Paul’s Cathedral, a modern Christian church with striking architectural features that have made it an iconic landmark in Ivory Coast.
Next, I visited the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, a cultural museum located in Plateau. This remarkable institution provides a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse heritage and history of the country, featuring a captivating array of artifacts, artworks, and exhibits. Unfortunately, mobile phones and cameras were not permitted within the museum premises.
I went to Two shopping malls in Abidjan; Prima Center and PlaYce. I visited PlaYce more as it was closer to Hotel LAVIDA and they offered Free Wi-Fi. I never bothered about anything else since I was still connected on the Go.
A trip to Abidjan would be incomplete without a visit to the beach, and I duly obliged. My journey took me to Grand Bassam, where I stopped at Grand Blue Beach, which conveniently offered a swimming pool – a perfect way to unwind after days filled with a mix of adventure and stress.
As I mentioned earlier, the monotony of dining on the same dishes began to wear on me. I went to Nairaland and I saw a thread of Nigerians Living in Cote d’Ivoire. Read through the blog post and I became the happiest person in Abidjan at that moment. There’s an area in Abidjan called Adjame. Immediately I took a ride and dropped at Saint Michelle, upon getting there, for once, I thought I was in Lagos. People were speaking Yoruba and I really was very happy.
Not too long, I spotted where Bread and Beans were being sold. It was almost too late before I got this update. I was about 3 days to my departure from Cote d’Ivoire. I took a ride every day there just to eat. In fact, I bought Amala and Ewedu. My happiness couldn’t be contained in those moments.
As the calendar turned to January 6, 2022, it was time to bid adieu to Cote d’Ivoire and head back to Nigeria. My late-night flight brought me back home at 12:51 AM. Upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport, I couldn’t help but chuckle as I passed the familiar sign that read, “Welcome to Nigeria.”