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| The Congo River |
Driving through the city of Brazzaville, one will see a number of interesting things. Palm trees, swaying in their tropical setting. Sand blowing across the road or stuck to shoes making their daily commute. Fishermen out in their canoes along the Congo River, throwing down their nets for their daily catch. Young men gathered at highly trafficked corners, selling tissues to wipe beads of sweat from one’s brow or newspapers in French, containing the most current events. Encircling the nearest gas station receiving petrol, there are green taxis lined up in disorganized rows. Tables piled high with fruit and vegetables or freshly butchered meat are seen for sale, blue jumpsuit wearing street cleaners are working hard to make the city look its best, and khaki colored school uniforms worn head to toe by children and youth making their way to school. Cleaned laundry hung out to dry in the bright sun. Embassies, representing many countries from around the world, scattered across the city with their cement block buildings, surrounded by gates with barbed wire. A grand wall hides the Presidential Residence. Young adults in red aprons, piled in truck beds, shouting from megaphones, advertising a local cell phone company. Smiles and handshakes, even a wave from a car, as friends reunite and pass by one another. Sirens blaring, lights flashing and people piled in cars, following a procession for a loved one who has died. Traffic police, hiding in the shade of trees, taking turns directing cars or stopping them to check their documents. True to its name, The Green City, you’ll see shades of green through plants, trees and local crops everywhere you look. But even beyond these sites, you’ll see beautiful people. Congolese men, women, youth and children walking, riding motorcycles, driving cars, sitting in front of shops, all waiting for what the day holds. This is Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
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| Local shops |
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| Street Cleaner working hard to keep the city looking its best |
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| Central African Franc (local currency) |
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| Teenage boys sporting the local uniform, on their way to school |
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Hibiscus flower - used to make a
delicious local juice |
