And there it is that smell. Anyone who’s been to Africa knows exactly what I am talking about, for those of you who haven’t, this is the smell that reminds your body and soul that you are on a continent that lovingly welcomes you and permeates. It smells rich and dark, this is Africa!

Coming to a war-torn country may sound a little misguided, but I think people need to step out sometimes and look past how things seem in your home country. I went back out to Yamoussoukro in Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa at the same time as a long standing war was playing out. When you get there you realize that war isn’t always like the images seen on BBC news. In Yamoussoukro for example with the presence of peacekeepers a deadlock was in place and life was very safe. Politics aside people got on with there lives.

Yamoussoukro is my favourite place on this planet. The town is small enough not to be an ugly dirty African city, but large enough for there to be an energy, and so many things to get up to. I loved visiting the markets, meeting friendly people who always have time to talk, eating foods that don’t really look like they should be eaten (rat is a national delicacy), taking in the visual beauty of the multitude of African cloth sellers.

There are also a lot of impressive buildings to visit including the biggest church in the world. The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro is the biggest church by surface area and height, and also houses the largest stained glass windows. This building is imposing and wherever you are in the city it looks as though you are underneath it.

Most of all I loved the night life. The city comes alive in the evenings with so many food sellers and music setting the beat. Everyone comes to life in the evenings and forgetting material things I got down the most important things, meeting people and socializing.

Get away from the tourist traps and explore experiences that may be a little different, but way more rewarding.