Today my Canadian friend called me around 5pm and asked what I was up to. I was actually just chilling at home and reading a book. He told me that in 15 minutes him and a few friends would be at my place to pick me up to go for Zouglou (a type of music) at Yopugon (a place.) I was obviously excited about this plan that I had never heard about. I got ready as quickly as I could (noting that when he called me I was sitting on the couch wearing my pyjamas and reading my kindle....proper chillaxing.)
They got to my place and unfortunately I made them wait around 10 minutes for try as I could I just could not shower, change and get my make up done in 15 minutes. Usually I can, but in this case I spent the first 5 minutes thinking of what to wear - which is quite silly actually as I didn't have that many clothes in Abidjan.
My Canadian friend was introduced to me by a Kenyan friend in Canada. He's Caribbean-Canadian - I can't quite remember what island though. He's a teacher in an international school in Abidjan. I went downstairs - him and 2 of his colleagues were there. We drove to Yopugon which was around 50 minutes away. We got into Yopugon which had more marquees (bars, shops and restaurants) than houses. It definitely looked like a place with a fun nightlife.
We got to the Yopugon spot and it was a large field with tables set up and a huge stage upfront. Beer was sold in buckets - one ordered a big bucket with beers and ice. Food was sold nearby. The two colleagues of my friend left for a while and came back with delicious chicken, alloco (fried bananas), fish etc. I enjoyed the experience because I was with fun people, but I realize that the music was not my type. Zouglou in contrast to Coupe Decale is kind of slow and kind of very old school sounding. I like my beats fast and my bass down low:-) During the songs there were a lot of Ivorian jokes (of course in French). Most if not all of them passed me - swish...just like that....Giggle giggle, but i have no idea what has just been said.
Many many beers later I was dropped home at 11pm.
