10 surprising facts about Port-Bouët you probably didn't know
so here's the thing about Port-Bouët. most people just think it's "that beach area near Abidjan" but there's way more going on under the surface. i spent a week there last month and here's what i found out, in no particular order because my brain doesn't work that way:
1. *the lighthouse isn't just for show. it's been guiding ships since 1903 and still works. locals say on clear nights you can see it from 20 miles out. (source: wikipedia)
2. fishing is serious business here. like, 70% of the local economy depends on it. i watched a guy haul in a 40-pound tuna with his bare hands. no joke.
3. rent is surprisingly cheap if you know where to look. average 1-bedroom: about 150k cfa/month. not bad for ocean views.
4. the airport (port-bouët 2) handles mostly cargo but there's talk of expanding to passenger flights soon. that'd change everything.
5. street food is legendary. i ate alloco (fried plantains) from a cart and it was better than most restaurants. locals call it "fast luxury."
6. the beach isn't just sand. there's a weird mix of volcanic rock and imported sand. geologists say it's from an old eruption + 90s development.
7. crime rate is low compared to other coastal cities in the region. i felt safe walking around at night, though i still kept my phone close.
8. art scene is underground but alive. graffiti everywhere, especially near the fish market. one mural had a swordfish wearing sunglasses.
9. weather is sticky year-round. like, 80% humidity sticky. bring extra shirts.
10. neighbors include bassam* (20 mins east) and grand-bassam (40 mins west). both worth a day trip if you're into colonial architecture or just want a change of pace.
here's a quick table of what i spent in a week:
| item | cost (cfa) |
|---|---|
| street food/day | 2,000 |
| motorbike taxi | 500/trip |
| sim card/data | 15,000 (1 month) |
| guesthouse (shared) | 30,000/night |
overheard from a fisherman: "if you want fresh shrimp, come at 5am. otherwise you're eating yesterday's catch."
another local told me: "don't trust the guys selling boat tours near the lighthouse. they'll quote you 50k, then say it's per person."
if you're into offbeat coastal towns with real people and zero tourist traps, Port-Bouët's worth the trip. just bring earplugs-those fishing boats start honking at dawn.
source: [tripadvisor]
source: [yelp]
source: [local forum]
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