Marcory: The Vibrant Heart of Abidjan

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/Je vous en prie
  [seel voo pleh/zheh vooz ahn pree]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glai]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zheh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zheh voo-dreh vwahr luh meh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zheh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zheh voo-dreh pay-ay, 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-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zheh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhe swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zheh voo-dreh ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zheh ruh-gahrd zhuhst]
• 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 bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swar]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhur-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve un/le...?
  [oo suh troov uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-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)?
  [kond ay luh proh-shan (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Marcory's history is rooted in the early expansion of Abidjan as a colonial port city in the late 19th century. Initially a small settlement, it began to grow significantly with the arrival of the French, who established administrative and commercial centers along the coast. The neighbourhood started to take shape as the city of Abidjan transformed into a key economic hub in Côte d'Ivoire.

Following Côte d'Ivoire's independence in 1960, Marcory experienced rapid urbanization and development. The government promoted infrastructural projects that included the establishment of residential areas, schools, and health facilities, contributing to the neighbourhood's transformation into a vibrant urban center. This growth was indicative of the broader expansion of Abidjan during this period.

Marcory has evolved into a cultural melting pot, reflecting the diverse demographics of Abidjan. It is home to various ethnic groups, including Akan, Krou, and Mandé peoples, and showcases a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and culinary practices. The vibrant market scene and local festivals celebrate this diversity, making Marcory an essential part of Abidjan's socio-cultural landscape.

In recent decades, Marcory has emerged as a significant economic hub within Abidjan. The neighbourhood hosts a range of businesses, from small local shops to larger commercial entities, and is known for its bustling markets such as the Marcory Market. This economic activity has attracted a steady flow of residents and businesses, further solidifying its role in the region's economy.

Like many urban neighborhoods in Abidjan, Marcory faces challenges such as urban congestion, infrastructure strain, and socio-economic disparities. However, community initiatives and local governance efforts aim to address these issues, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of its residents. The neighbourhood continues to evolve, maintaining its significance in the ever-changing landscape of Abidjan.

Marcory is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Abidjan. The Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport is located just a short drive away, making it convenient for international travelers. To reach Marcory from areas like Plateau or Cocody, you can take a taxi or use a shared minibus (gbaka), which operates frequently. The journey usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

In Marcory, the most common mode of transport is the taxi, which can be flagged down on the street or booked via local apps. The gbaka system is also widely used, providing an affordable means to navigate the area. Bicycles can be rented from local shops, and walking is a good option in certain areas, especially to enjoy the local markets and street food.

Marcory is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Certain parts, particularly near the markets after dark, can be riskier and are best avoided. It’s recommended to stay in well-lit areas at night and keep valuables close. Avoid displaying expensive items and be cautious when using your phone in public.

In case of an emergency, you can contact the local police at 17. For medical emergencies, dial 21 25 25 25 for assistance. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical issues. Pharmacies are available throughout Marcory for minor health concerns, and larger hospitals can be found in nearby neighborhoods.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight and modest clothing, especially in public areas. Don't wear revealing outfits or clothing that may be deemed disrespectful. Religion: Do respect local customs, particularly in religious sites; removing shoes is often required. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to the elderly. Don’t engage in loud conversations or use your phone excessively. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a handshake. Avoid being overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offers; it’s a sign of hospitality. Don’t eat in public transport, as it can be frowned upon.

To experience Marcory like a local, visit the bustling markets such as the Marché de Marcory where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. Engage with vendors, as they are often eager to share their stories. Try the street food, particularly attiéké, a local cassava dish. Learning a few phrases in French will enhance your interactions with locals, who appreciate when tourists make an effort to communicate.