ivory coast....life's a zoo

Before I went to the Ivory Coast my idea of Africa was a land of jungles, safaris and deserts, with a plethora of wild animals roaming around.  But upon arrival, I was surprised by how developed the Ivory Coast actually was, with it's highways, skyscrapers and urban metropolis.  I felt foolish for my previous notions, but I also was disappointed - I wanted to see wild animals. 

Sure, there were plenty of wild diseased dogs running around freely, but a dog, domestic or wild, is a different type of animal.  Where were the elephants?  Where were the rhinos and monkeys?  Anyone attacked by lions recently?  NOTHING! 

After a month of keeping my eyes peeled for a chance at seeing something other than a dog or cow sneaking onto the street, a colleague surprised me one day with a trip to the local zoo.  

It wasn't exactly wild, but I was happy to finally see some African animals in AFRICA!

My excitement was crushed when we entered the zoo.  It was probably the saddest zoo I have ever been to.  I felt guilty walking around the rusting cages that held these pathetic prisoners.  I was told that before the coup the zoo was very well maintained and popular.  But funding and visitors stopped coming and it became difficult to support the animals.  The caretakers were doing the best they could but they couldn't support all the animals.  The carnivores suffered the most - meat isn't cheap.

These are a few pictures of the animals of the Abidjan zoo. I chose not to post the lions as they were thin and much too heartbreaking to see.

niami...the gentle giants

From sunrise to sunset we spent the day with these gentle giants.  As we wandered with them through their natural habitat, we were compelled to speak only in whispers - not wanting to disturb their peaceful silence.

I felt truly lucky and thankful to have been in the presence of these special creatures.  And I was left with a overwhelming sense of joy as we watched our new friends elegantly walk off into the sunset and out of sight.

Finally, I had seen my wild African animals freely wandering the land.  It had taken 4 months, a chance V.I.P. trip to another African country, and a early morning rise, but it was all worth it. 

paris....un homme

During my 9 hour self-guided walking tour through Paris I saw all the famous sites, but it was the hidden neighbourhoods, the old crumbly buildings on the cobblestone roads and the people going through their daily activities that interested me the most.

New York, New York....it's a wonderful town

Like many people before me and many people after, on my first visit to NYC I instantly fell in love. I was wooed by it's celebrity, caught up in it's pulsing energy and won over by it's diverse districts and that big beautiful park. Alas, it was only a weekend affair, but an affair to remember. Until I walk your streets again my memories and photos will have to do. I (heart) NYC.

denmark....the little cottage

Sometimes, in my dreams, I go back to this little cottage on the hill.

san francisco....into the clouds

I stood in awe of the bright orange bridge, the low clouds, blue water and rolling hills; they seemed as though they had been freshly painted on to a blank canvas that hung from the heavens. And then I stepped on to the famous landmark and became part of the amazing painting.

kathmandu....giggles

Small friends I made while on one of my walks through Kathmandu. The only english word they knew was "CHOCOLATE!"  Luckily, I always had some with me.