Multimedia Mania/abacus-multimedia-mania.iso/dp/0031/00316.txt

Text File | 1993-07-27 | 10KB | 206 lines

$Unique_ID{bob00316}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Cote d'Ivoire}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{Tourisme Cote d'Ivoire}
$Affiliation{Embassy of Cote d'Ivory, Washington DC}
$Subject{cote
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d'ivoire
land
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$Date{1990}
$Log{}
Title:       Cote d'Ivoire
Book:        Cote d'Ivoire Travel Update
Author:      Tourisme Cote d'Ivoire
Affiliation: Embassy of Cote d'Ivory, Washington DC
Date:        1990

Cote d'Ivoire

     Cote d'Ivoire is a unique travel destination that one must see to
believe. Come and step into a land filled with all the beauty, mystery,
allure and excitement.

     The following pages will guide you through some of the most beautiful
scenery. Come enjoy the splendor of enchanting Cote d'Ivoire, and discover
the extraordinary variety of age-rooted customs it has to offer. Cote
d'Ivoire is a microcosm of Africa, having more than 60 ethnic groups.

     In addition to being the ideal destination in Africa ( it combines
beaches, forests, savannahs, plateaus and mountains, fishing, golf and game
viewing), Cote d'Ivoire also serves as point of departure to all other
African countries-thanks to its good air-connection, its rapidly developing
road network, and its expanding tourist facilities.

     Above all, come to meet the Ivorians and share their legendary
hospitality and joys of life. Select your itinerary and inform your Travel
Agency, or do it yourself; Cote d'Ivoire is secure.

The South Beaches, Lagoons, Restful Creeks and Charming Abidjan.

     The South is the region of paradoxes, a land which juxtaposes the
ancient and the modern and contrasts the elegance of the urban skyline
with the natural simplicity of the lagoons and villages.

     The glimmering lights of the cosmopolitan cityscape greet the visitor
to Abidjan. A growing network of air transportation makes Abidjan more
accessible than ever, and like all major urban centers in Cote d'Ivoire,
Abidjan offers 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels, all comfortable and air
conditioned.

     Explore the region by car and enjoy good year-round roads, or take
advantage of an excellent lagoon cruise to l'Ile Boulay (Eden-like Boulay
Island). The diversity of the region will become apparent as you venture
forth through the Treichville Market, an exotic and colorful Oriental
bazaar, en route to historical and now Arts Center of Grand Bassam. The
Garden City of Bingerville also offers much more than flower plantations
and Museums. It's the "Quartier Latin" of Cote d'Ivoire. Highlights of the
area include the Abidjan Art Museum, the modern Port and the Logging Depot,
the Souvenir Market and many movie theaters, Night Clubs and Restaurants,
any style. The Banco Forest's cool greenery is a haven for travelers and the
crystal clear waters of the Banco River offer a perfect sanctuary for picnics
and walks.

     Other exciting destinations include Grand-Lahou, Jacqueville and
Sassandra (The City That Will Not Die), which was formerly a prosperous
city and busy Port. Dagbebo's magnificent Lagoon is a beautiful sight, and
Pauli-Plage is sheltered in a creek. Gnega is popular with European visitors.
Soubre is a major crossroads and an attractive tourist spot. Besides rich
folkloric history, it offers the Nawa Falls on the Sassandra River.

     A Tour to Buyo is a must; the massive hydroelectric dam over the
Sassandra is truly impressive.

     The New City of San Pedro is a shining example of the rapid change
occurring in the region. Don't miss its beaches and seaside restaurants
serving giant lobsters every day.

     From Cape Palmes to Fresco, the Western Coastline of the Southern
region offers the marvelous Grand Bereby beach and the idyllic Monogaga Cove.
The Costa de Malagens (the Coast of Evil People), is now a heavenly
wilderness and is fast becoming one of the highlights of the Ivorian seaside
resort. Sheltered beaches with fine sand abound in this breathtaking region.

Central Region Ingenious Arts, Age Old Customs and Varied Folklore.

     Welcome to a land of extraordinary variety. The Central Region has
a dual character since it overlaps the Southern woodlands and the Northern
savannahs. This is the homeland of the Baoule, as well as the Bete and the
Gouro. Traditional dances, art and handicrafts are part of the beautiful and
varied attractions.

     Visitors who choose to rent a car or 4-wheel drive vehicle will be
impressed with the good road system in this region. All visits here should
begin in the festive capital of Bouake by exploring the Gonfreville Textile
Mills, and the colorful Market. Katiola is a pretty town nestled in greenery
as well as an excellent example of Cote d'Ivoire's voluntary urbanization.
It is also the place to buy pottery.

     In Yamoussoukro, the Radiant City and the political Capital of the
Country, enjoy splendid tennis courts, swimming pools, the 18-hole golf
course and the marvelous Hotel President's facilities. The Guests Palace,
the Mosque, the National School of Civil Engineering and the Technical
High School are well worth a visit. A trip to the Lake of Sacred Crocodiles
is also recommended.

     From Yamoussoukro, visit the President's Plantations, the Toumbokro
Coffee Processing Plant, and Bouafle, home of the Zaouli Dance. Daloa is
the door-step up to the Bete tribe and also to visit the Marahoue National
Park nearby. Gagnoa and Issia are names of places worth a visit. Time
permitting, drive to Dimbokro, Bongouanou and Daoukro and discover the
"Boucle du Cacao" (The Cocoa Production Area). Try your fishing ability in
the Comoe River. No other road offers such beautiful scenery as this, in
springtime.

The North Initiations and Ancestral Rites...The Supernatural within Reach.

     The North is a mystical region, replete with history, mystery and magic.
This is a land of wooded savannahs, where plateaus are broken by steep
granitic domes, and a dry Sudan-like climate greets the visitor. The Senoufo
folklore is one of the richest and liveliest in Cote d'Ivoire, and the
opportunity to witness Senoufo rituals will guarantee a most memorable
experience.

     Korhogo, located at the foot of Mt. Korhogo (2,700 ft.) is sheltered by
consecrated woods and offers a wide variety of diversions, including the
Gbon Coulibaly Museum, the Handicraft Suburb, and a picturesque market.

     Waraniene, a short distance away, is a weavers' village and an
excellent place to purchase fabric. Other nearby artisan and crafts villages
include Koni, where ironwork is a specialty, and Fakaha, known for its
decorative handpainted cloth. Kong (the heart of black Islam), is an
interesting trip through history, and Boundiali provides a glimpse into
traditional village life as well as a chance to view the N'Goron, perhaps the
most famous dance in Cote d"Ivoire.

     The Northeast is the Land of the Abron and the Lobi, two of the most
original ethnic groups in Cote d"Ivoire. You will see the Soukala, the
strange terraced dwellings of the Lobi, and women who still wear ornamental
plates piercing and sometimes locking their lips. The Comoe National Park is
a dream for Safari aficionados. Lions, panthers, buffalo, bubales, and 300
miles of practicable tracks await the visitor.

     The Northwest is the border of black Islam, encompassing the Odienne
Region. In Odienne visit the main Mosque, the Market, and the craftsmen.
Samatiguila is a great religious center and Mount Denguele (2,700 ft.) holds
beautiful caves. It is an excellent climbing site.

The East Follow the Salt Caravanners...Discover Majestic Kingdoms.

     The East is the land of still striking Kingdoms and beautiful
ceremonies based on ancestral traditions. These Kingdoms provide an
exceptional view into African social structures in precolonial times. Their
endurance, their vitality and their adaptability to modern and national
institutions are unique and constitute a curiosity for worldwide visitors.

     The Abron founded a powerful kingdom in Bondoukou, one of the oldest
and regional capital cities in Cote d'Ivoire. Like Odienne in the Northwest,
Bondoukou has a very important Islamic influence, but here the population
still venerate a king who cannot be a Muslim. Recommended visits include
the nearby Sacred-Monkeys of Soko, and the not too far Sacred Fishes of
Sapia.

     Abengourou, chief town of a flourishing prefecture, is the capital of
the Indenie Kingdom. Every Friday, at the King's Palace, the BIA (a solid
gold sacred throne) is shown to the population, in respect of ancestral
customs. This is the day the King teaches history to the young generation
and provides counsel to his people. In Zaranou (the former chief town), you
can see the museum of Binger, the first French Governor to visit the area.
Discover a wealth of artifacts retracing the founding of the Kingdom. A
recommended visit is the Women School of Fetishism in Tanguelan, where you
can consult the priestess if you like.

Western Region Masks, Dances and Mountains...What a Must.

     This land of the We ethnic group (Guere, Wobe and Yacouba) is truly the
most original in Cote d'Ivoire, thanks to its natural vistas and its cultural
heritage. Spectacular landscapes, waterfalls, mountain peaks, and creeper
bridges add to the mystique of The Western Region. Man, the regional capital
city, is surrounded by 18 mountain peaks.

     Tieny-Siably is a strange village perched atop a huge rock. Gouessesso
is a health resort boasting mild weather and 50 comfortable cottages.

     The folklore of this region is as unique as it's rich. Dances abound,
and include the Temate, performed in Facobly by young girls. The Stilts dance
is the most original in the west, and the Jugglers show is not for an
impressionable audience. Borotou is known for its folkloric dances performed
by lavishly adorned women.

     Highlights of the region include the colorful market of Touba, land of
the Mahou, and the famous stilt dancers of Waninou. Thrill seekers will enjoy
Zala, the hang gliding center.

     The Tai National Park offers 870,000 acres of peace and silence. Other
interesting places worth a visit are Bangolo and Guiglo for masks, Danane,
Duekue, Biankouman and Touleupleu for very rich and acrobatic traditional
dances.