A Trip to the Capital

Last week I was given the opportunity to accompany a friend up country. They had taught a course at one of the schools earlier in the month and needed to return the graded papers to the students.  Since it is about a 4 to 5 hour drive up country they asked if I would want to come with them. It was an opportunity to see more of the country, view life out of the big city, meet staff and students at the school and enjoy the company of my friend.  Oh course I went!

Driving here brings new adventures and challenges daily.  The traffic, crowds, freely roaming animals, big overloaded trucks that look like they could tip over at any time(and often do), and the biggest potholes you have ever seen keep you sharp and alert. There is definitely NO zoning out while driving.  

After 5hours of dodging potholes we arrived at Yamoussoukro which is the Capital of Côte d’Ivoire. While in the capital we visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro which is one of the minor basilicas. As we started to explore the basilica and it’s grounds our guide pointed out the Vatican flag and welcomed us to Rome/Vatican City. I have always wanted to go to Rome but this is not how I imagined it. I still foresee a trip to Italy in my future.  Anyway, He explained that this basilica is a little taller than St. Peters making it the tallest Church in the world at 518 feet high.  It is certainly impressive and I love looking at the detail of the large stained glass windows. 

Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro

 

 

 

 

After a late lunch we made it to the school where I was introduced to the staff and students.  They were very welcoming and even went out of their way to great me in English (um that’s a big deal).  An invitation to return and even teach a course later in the future was extended to me.  I got to see the classrooms and the living quarters of the students. The living conditions of the students are very humbling. They give up a lot to attend classes at the school for weeks and evening months depending on the course. Their commitment to the future and the future of those they will serve is encouraging. This week they will return home to their families for the holidays and will start a new term in February. 

Speaking of holidays, Thanksgiving is just about here!  I plan on celebrating it here in Côte d’Ivoire. Just the other day I saw live Turkeys on the side of the road, ready to kill and sell to the expats that live here.  I expect it to be a fun and interesting first Thanksgiving overseas. I’ll let you know how it goes.