Welcome Back dear reader. Tonight, the entire Africa Contingent will be meeting up. Nearly everyone from the American Crew have arrived at the Sofitel. The plan? To meet up at 7:30 pm for Dinner and a celebration. It’s still morning tho, let’s talk about breakfast 1st…
Like most higher end hotels, the Breakfast at Sofitel was a mix of self serve, buffet style, covered containers. The offerings contained a multitude of hot and cold foods, veggies, fruits and juices. There were also Bread and Omelet stations of which I took full advantage of. The “Omelet Lady” and I knew each other well by the time we left. I would walk in, give the familiar black nod, and in minutes she had me good to go. Also of note was the variety of juices available for consumption. In particular, the Ginger juice was my favorite as I am a Ginger Ale/Beer kind of guy. There weren’t too many breakfast pics but here’s a few to give you an idea…Ironically enough, these are from our first and last day at the hotel. Had I thought about it, I would have taken more. Oh well. 🤷🏾
(I do not own the rights to this music)
https://genius.com/Kool-and-the-gang-celebration-lyrics
After a day of relaxing and some wandering around the hotel grounds, it was time for the Par-Tay!!! The USA crew all met in the lobby as we waited for our transportation. The Mrs was looking especially scrumptious. 😍
In addition to this night being the 1st real “Get together” amongst the USA crew, this night was also special because it was Guy’s birthday!!! If I know NOTHING else about Kisha’s family and friends, I know that we know how to Turn UP!!! And the night was definitely “turnt”!
Once our transports (Two 30 person autobus) arrived, we boarded and took a quick 5 minute drive to our destination: The Adoumin Beach Resort.
https://www.instagram.com/adoumin_beach_resort/?hl=en
https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Lounge/Adouminbeachresort/photos/
Another thing about Abidjan… it is LIVELY at night! There were just as many people out on the streets tonight night as there were earlier today! Most, if not all, of the stores were still open for business. Someone told me that this is the “New York of Ivory Coast”. I believe it. Does this city ever sleep? As I would find out in a few days, No.
No less than 3 minutes after we arrived to the indoor/outdoor venue, it started raining. 🌧🤦🏾♂️SMH. Nevertheless, the house band kept playing (under the tent) and our group found different (covered) areas of the space to occupy. Thankfully, there was PLENTY of space to dance, eat, relax, eat…lol. The libations were paid for and the mouthwatering smell of cooked food wafted throughout the area. I’m an eater more than a drinker so, I waited with abated breath for the vittles. In the meantime, there were plenty of pics taken. I even got one with the Bride to Be! How beautiful is SHE?! Wait till ya’ll see the wedding pics…
ALSO, Notice she has bug spray in her hand…You need copious amounts of bug spray/lotion y’all. (Just another FYI).
To the delight of all, the rain dispersed after 20 minutes or so. Once the food was served, it did not disappoint. I apologize that there aren’t a lot of pics but my mind was on food AND on helping to ensure that Kisha and Guy were taking the time to take it all in. I didn’t want them Hosting more than being celebrated. Besides, I may have eaten my food faster than it took for me to make my plate. #Judgeyaself and Be thankful for a pic…lol. #FMF. As a bonus Alain and his beautiful wife, Valèrie, were able to join us! Life is good!
Guests ate, danced and drank the night away. Tomorrow was the 1st of 3 weddings so, the Mrs. and I knew we had to get back to the hotel soon. Before Alain and Valerie drove us back, there was a Celebration to get to…
It’s Guy’s Birthday! As he sat next to his soon to be American family, a small birthday cake was presented. We sang 3 birthday songs: “Happy Birthday” in French? English and if you are a Black American, the Stevie Wonder version is as normalized as the Black National Anthem at NFL games will become. There was even a rare Guy smile! Although, it was not captured by this non professional photographer, I saw it with my own eyes. This was a great evening.
Tomorrow is the traditional African wedding and well, there is a lot so, I may have to break it down into sections. Here’s a sneak peek! Remember that smile that almost never happens? Look at this man smile at his wife. Yo. Love is something amazing and should be cherished. I’ll get to the next post soon. Until then dear reader, stay safe and cherish Love!!!
Travel Tip: Covid 19 is still here y’all. Be safe. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-safe-travel-advice/art-20486965
Raomel's Observations - Rabservations 