Plateau: The Vibrant Heartbeat of Abidjan

• HelloBoua
  [Boh-wah]
• GoodbyeTchaw
  [Chah-ow]
• YesAwa
  [Ah-wah]
• NoEh
  [Eh]
• Please/You're welcomeMai tchie/An tchie
  [My chay/Ahn chay]
• Thank youMai tchou
  [My choh]
• Excuse me/SorryTchou tchou
  [Choh choh]
• How are you?I ni sara?
  [Ee nee sah-rah?]
• Fine. And you?Ni sara. I ni?
  [Nee sah-rah. Ee nee?]
• Do you speak English?I ni tchli Anglè?
  [Ee nee chlee Ahn-glay?]
• I don't understandI n tchie koussi
  [Ee n chay koo-see]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNi tchou voir tchou menu, mai tchie
  [Nee choh vwar choh menu, my chay]
• I don't eat meatI n tchie miam-miam
  [Ee n chay myahm-myahm]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [Sahn-tay!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNi tchou payer, mai tchie
  [Nee choh pie-yay, my chay]

• Help!Au secours!
  [Oh seh-coor!]
• Go away!Ale!
  [Ah-lay!]
• Call the Police!I ni appeler la Police!
  [Ee nee ah-peh-lay lah Poh-leece!]
• Call a doctor!I ni appeler un docteur!
  [Ee nee ah-peh-lay uh doh-kuhr!]
• I'm lostNi tchou perdu
  [Nee choh pair-doo]
• I'm illNi malade
  [Nee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Ni tchou acheter...
  [Nee choh ah-shetay...]
• I'm just lookingI tchou wari-wari
  [Ee choh wah-ree-wah-ree]
• How much is it?Kombien ca coute?
  [Kohm-byen sah koot?]
• That's too expensiveCa coute trop cher
  [Sah koot troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?I ni baisser le prix?
  [Ee nee bay-say lay pree?]

• What time is it?Kombien l'heure?
  [Kohm-byen luhrr?]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel eh oon uhrr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [Dee-ss uhrr eht duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [Mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swah-r]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [Oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [Oon]
• 2Deux
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
  [Twa]
• 4Quatre
  [Kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Weet]
• 9Neuf
  [Nuff]
• 10Dix
  [Dee-ss]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [Oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell eh lah-dress?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?I ni montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Ee nee mohn-tray (soor lah kart)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahnd eh luh proh-shain (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour...)
  [Oon bee-yay (poor...)]

Plateau, the business and administrative center of Abidjan, was established during the French colonial period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The French envisioned Abidjan as the capital of Côte d'Ivoire, and Plateau was designed to reflect Western urban planning ideals. Wide boulevards and colonial architecture emerged, setting the stage for the city’s modern development.

Following Côte d'Ivoire's independence in 1960, Plateau continued to thrive as the political and economic heart of the nation. Major government buildings and corporate offices were established, symbolizing the new nation's aspirations. The architecture from this era showcases a blend of modernist and traditional Ivorian styles, reflecting the country's cultural identity.

Plateau is not only the administrative hub but also a cultural melting pot. The neighbourhood hosts numerous cultural institutions, including the Palais de la Culture, which promotes Ivorian arts and traditions. Annual events and festivals celebrated in Plateau highlight the rich diversity of Côte d'Ivoire's ethnic groups, showcasing music, dance, and culinary traditions.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Plateau underwent significant urban development and modernization efforts. Skyscrapers began to dominate the skyline, and infrastructure improvements transformed the area into a vibrant urban center. This period saw the introduction of modern amenities and transport systems, catering to a growing population and economic activities.

The political turmoil in Côte d'Ivoire during the early 2000s had a profound impact on Plateau. Despite the challenges, the neighbourhood demonstrated resilience, with continued efforts to maintain its role as the country's economic and cultural leader. Post-crisis recovery initiatives focused on rebuilding trust and fostering unity among the diverse communities within Plateau.

Plateau is located in the heart of Abidjan, making it accessible from various neighborhoods. You can reach Plateau from the Abidjan International Airport (Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport) by taxi, which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can use local buses or 'gbaka' (minibuses) that connect to Plateau from neighborhoods like Cocody and Yopougon. The journey by bus typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Plateau is best navigated on foot due to its central location and pedestrian-friendly areas. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via mobile apps. Public transport options include the 'gbaka' minibuses, which are a fast way to travel within the area. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the city at your own pace.

Plateau is generally safe for tourists during the day, but precaution is advised at night. Areas to be cautious of include certain parts of the central market and side streets after dark, where petty crime can occur. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

In an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 15 for medical emergencies in Côte d'Ivoire. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Plateau, with some equipped to handle international patients. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health concerns, pharmacies are readily available.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly in religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; it’s polite to greet with 'Bonjour' and shake hands. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a warm handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept food offerings. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it can be seen as offensive.

To experience Plateau like a local, visit the vibrant markets, particularly the Marché de Treichville for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with vendors and locals, as they are often welcoming and can share valuable insights about the area. Don’t miss the stunning architecture of the Presidential Palace and the nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral. For a cultural experience, check out local music events or dance performances in the area.