Cotonou: The Vibrant Heart of Benin

• HelloSalut
  [sa-LOO]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-VWAH]
• YesOui
  [WEE]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo PLEH / duh RYAN]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-SEE]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-KYU-zay mwah / day-zoh-LAY]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mahn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah?]
• Do you speak English?Parles-tu anglais?
  [parl too ahn-GLAY?]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-PROHN pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-DRAY vwahr luh meh-NOO, seel voo PLEH]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-TAY]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-DRAY pay-YAY, seel voo PLEH]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-KOOR!]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn!]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-LAY lah poh-LEES!]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-LAY uhn meh-deh-SAN!]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-DOO]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-LAHD]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-DRAY ah-shuh-TAY...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-GAHRD joo-stuh]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-BYEN sah koot?]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-VAY voo bay-SAY luh pree?]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-TEEL?]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay deh-MYUH]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-TAN]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-PRAY mee-DEE]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yay]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-ZHOOR-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-MAN]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [cat-ruh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [oo suh troov...?]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-VAY voo muh mohn-TRAY (soor lah kart)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh pro-SHAN (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-YAY (poor ....)]

Cotonou, which means 'mouth of the river of death,' was originally a small fishing village settled by the Aja people. The town grew in importance due to its strategic location between the Atlantic Ocean and the Nokoué Lake, making it a crucial point for trade and transportation.

In the late 19th century, Cotonou became a focal point of French colonial interests in West Africa. In 1868, the French signed a treaty with the Kingdom of Dahomey, which allowed them to establish a trading post in Cotonou. The city subsequently became a French protectorate in 1892, leading to rapid urbanization and the development of infrastructure.

Cotonou's port, built in the early 20th century, significantly boosted the city's economic status. It became one of the largest and busiest ports in West Africa, facilitating the export of palm oil, cotton, and other goods. The port remains a vital economic engine for Benin, attracting businesses and fostering international trade.

Benin gained independence from France on August 1, 1960. Post-independence, Cotonou continued to grow as the economic capital of Benin, even though Porto-Novo is the official capital. The city saw significant modernization efforts, including the expansion of its road networks, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.

Cotonou has been the backdrop for several significant political events, including the National Conference of 1990, which led to the establishment of a multiparty system and democratic governance in Benin. This pivotal event marked the beginning of political stability and economic reforms in the country.

Cotonou is a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting the diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds of its inhabitants. The city's markets, such as Dantokpa Market, are bustling centers of activity where one can find a variety of local crafts, foods, and textiles. The influence of Vodun (voodoo) religion is also evident in the city's cultural practices and festivals.

Cotonou is accessible via the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport (COO), which serves as the primary international gateway to Benin. Direct flights are available from major cities in Europe and other parts of Africa. From the airport, you can take a taxi to your accommodation, which is the most convenient option. Alternatively, some hotels offer shuttle services for their guests.

Cotonou offers a variety of transportation options. Zemidjans (motorbike taxis) are very popular and can navigate through traffic quickly. Taxis are also widely available and can be hired for short trips or the entire day. For longer distances, buses and minivans (known as 'tokpa tokpa') are available, though they can be crowded and less comfortable. Car rentals are an option but driving can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions.

The official currency in Benin is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Cotonou, particularly in the city center and near major hotels. Be sure to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Cotonou is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to remain vigilant. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas like Dantokpa Market. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in neighborhoods like Akpakpa and Saint Michel, which have higher crime rates. Always use registered taxis and avoid displaying valuables in public.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for the police, 118 for the fire department, and 112 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals include the National University Hospital Center HKM and the Bethesda Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout Cotonou where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes when entering religious buildings. Public Transport: Do be courteous and patient. Don't argue with drivers or other passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and always use your right hand. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations to dine with locals. Don't eat or drink with your left hand, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cotonou like a local, visit the bustling Dantokpa Market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. Enjoy a stroll along the Fidjrosse Beach, especially during sunset. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and eager to share their culture with visitors. Don't miss trying local dishes like 'pâte' (a type of dough made from maize or cassava) and 'akassa' (fermented maize dough).