The Tropical Charm of Cocody, Abidjan

• HelloBoujour
  [Boo-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [Oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [Seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [Pahr-dohn]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [Koh-mohn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [Byen. Ay twah?]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [Pahr-leh voo ahn-glay?]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [Zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dreh vwahr luh meh-nyoo, 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-dreh pay-eh, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [Oh seh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [Ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [Ah-puh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• 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-dreh ah-shet-eh...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [Zhuh ruh-gahrd juhst]
• 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-veh voo beh-say luh pree?]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell ur eh-teel?]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel eh oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix et demie
  [Dee ay deh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [Mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-preh mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [Oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [Uh]
• 2Deux
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
  [Twa]
• 4Quatre
  [Kat]
• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [Nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [Dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...
  [Oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahnd eh luh proh-shang (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [Uh bee-yay (poor ...)]

Cocody, originally a village inhabited by the Akan people, began to develop significantly during the French colonial period in the late 19th century. The French established administrative centers and residential areas, transforming Cocody into a prominent district of Abidjan, emphasizing its strategic location along the lagoon.

Following Côte d'Ivoire's independence in 1960, Cocody became a symbol of national identity and pride. The area is home to several government buildings and embassies, reflecting its status as a political hub. The construction of the Presidential Palace, located in Cocody, further solidified its importance in the nation's governance.

Over the decades, Cocody has evolved into a cultural and educational center, housing the University of Cocody, one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the country. This institution has attracted students from across West Africa, fostering a vibrant academic environment and contributing to the cultural richness of the neighborhood.

The late 20th century saw significant urbanization in Cocody, with the development of upscale residential areas and commercial establishments. This transformation has drawn a diverse population, blending traditional Ivorian culture with modern influences, making Cocody a dynamic and cosmopolitan neighborhood.

Cocody hosts various cultural events and festivals that celebrate Ivorian heritage, including music, dance, and art exhibitions. These gatherings highlight the neighborhood's role as a cultural epicenter and promote community engagement, showcasing the rich traditions of the Côte d'Ivoire.

Cocody is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Abidjan. The neighborhood is located approximately 7 kilometers east of the city center (Plateau). You can reach Cocody by taxi, which is the most convenient option. Local buses also operate routes from Plateau and other areas, including Yopougon and Treichville, with stops in Cocody. The journey by taxi typically takes around 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Cocody is a well-connected neighborhood, making it easy to get around. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Yango are readily available. Local buses (known as 'gbaka') are a popular and affordable way to travel; they operate frequently and connect you to various parts of Cocody. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the area at your own pace. Walking is also a viable option for short distances.

Cocody is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's essential to stay cautious. Areas around the university and some markets can experience petty crime, so avoid displaying valuable items and remain vigilant in crowded spaces. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Always opt for reputable transportation services to ensure your safety.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 221 for medical emergencies. The local hospitals, such as Polyclinique de Cocody, can provide immediate care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout Cocody where you can find over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious or formal settings. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions by being mindful of dress codes when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't engage in loud conversations or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and share meals with locals. Don't refuse food offerings, as it may be considered disrespectful.

To experience Cocody like a local, visit the vibrant markets such as Marché de Cocody for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with residents, as they are often welcoming and can share insights about the area. Don't miss the beautiful Parc de la Mé, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Additionally, explore the cultural sites along the Boulevard de l'Université, which reflect the architectural heritage of the neighborhood.