Strange but true, the largest church in the world is in the middle of nowhere in Ivory Coast - in the town of Yamoussoukro. It's design is inspired by the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican city. The basilica has an area of 30, sq metres , sq ft and is m ft high. It can accommodate 18, worshipers. It is a true white elephant but one worth seeing if you are ever in Ivory Coast.
It is really impressive. Enough words - time for some pics. My last day in Ivory Coast was spent well. World cup is here! World cup fever is real and exciting. Such excitement. One of my Abidjan friends took me. She bought some live crabs at the market and I thought that was bravery - walking around with a a plastic bag of live crabs. The crabs thought that was bravery too and as punishment for that they poked her when we were in the cab.
Such things only happen in Abidjan. Opening ceremony of World Cup! I was freaking excited - googled where to go now that I had decided to rid myself of all expensive and diva-esque company while I was in Abidjan. I was going to watch it alone! I found myself at a sports bar called Stade de France. I liked the vibe as soon as I got in. The owner bought everyone a round of beers - when I got in there were around 10 people there.
A few beers later I ended up winning a t-shirt for drinking a certain type of beer. The night ended with me taking shots with some friendly girls from Mali and Senegal. I slept smiling that night. At some point in Abidjan I realized I needed to shed off my "friends" but was not sure how to. They were useful in terms of keeping me company when I wanted to do things, but I realized that their company came at a price. First a monetary price and second at the expense of my fun.
I need to say that my couchsurfing host and her family were exempt from what I am about to say. With them we had a very symbiotic relationship. It was with all the other miscellaneous people that I realized I was their benefactor. Yes, they would want to come out with me but they would never pay a bill. To make matters worse, posing is quite common in Abidjan. As such I would be the one paying the bills everywhere we went and people would not have the decency to finish their food or their very expensive drinks.
