🇨🇮 11/2024 Ivory Coast Travel

Day 53, 21.11.2024 — The Most Masculine City in Côte d’Ivoire? 💪

We’re in the city of Man. As the capital of the Tonkpi region, it’s known as the “City of 18 Mountains” due to the peaks surrounding it. 🏞️ The area thrives on agriculture, especially coffee, cocoa, and banana plantations. Did you know that Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa exporter, responsible for about 40% of global production? 👀 Yet, many locals have never tasted chocolate, as it’s simply unaffordable. 😟

Approximately 10% of the country’s land is arable, with forests covering about a third of it, though deforestation is a significant concern. 🪓 Most Ivorians depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. The country’s name, “Ivory Coast,” refers to the historical ivory trade, once a major export before it was banned. 🐘 Nowadays, elephants are left in peace, and cocoa has taken over. 🙃

We woke up to locals shouting nearby and helpful Japanese travelers giving tips on applying for a Togo visa. 🇹🇬 E-visas seem straightforward — let’s hope it stays that way. 🤞 While our Japanese friends were not yet ready for morning walks, we went in search of breakfast. Affordable options abound! 🥳 Most locals speak French, the official language, but there are many indigenous languages, too. Fortunately, eateries here often have picture menus. For just two euros, you can…