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TOURISM:
There are four major regions in Guinea - the coast is called Basse (low)
or Maritime Guinea, the next section of the interior is called Moyenne
(lesser) Guinea, the more mountainous area to the east is called Haute
(high) Guinea, and the tail that drops down to the southeast is called
Guinea Forestiere or Forest Guinea. These major division also provide
broad cultural division as well - Basse Guinea is primarily Susu people
and culture, Moyenne Guinea is more of the Pular people, who originate
from nomadic tribes, Haute Guinea is primarily Malinke and Forest Guinea
is home to the Toma, Kissi and similar groups who carry on strong traditional
practices for medicine and religion.
Conakry - capital
Go out the conakry area and you will see goods country natural places
huge waterfalls, mountains, sea but no lions or rhinoceros.
Understand
Opening information is incorrect. General Lansana Conte has been the president
of the Republic of Guinea since 1984. He was general to President Sekou
Toure, who presided from 1958 to 1984, and General Conte took over the
government when Sekou Toure died. It was not until the early 90s that
General Conte began taking a more democratic position in government and
allowing open elections.
Guinea is a remarkable country with very warm, genuine people but little
infrastructure. While they have tremendous natural resources, they rate
very poorly in the UN's quality of life index.
Get in
By plane
Air France from Paris, France and SN Brussels from Brussels, Belgium
By train
By car
By bus
By boat
Get around
There are no buses (as a prior entry suggested). Almost all transport
is via taxi. Usually, the taxis will pile in as many people as they can
fit, but you can try to hail a taxi just for yourself - much more likely
if you speak French! Taxis are very inexpensive, even if you want to rent
one for a half or whole day. Expect to have to stop for gas almost immediately
after you get in the car. Traffic can be very very heavy, especially near
the airport. They are rebuilding the roads around the airport, and you
have to detour through residential neighborhoods.
Taxis are also used for transport from city to city. Keep in mind that
there is a curfew at night, and if you try to drive into Conakry you will
have to wait outside the city until morning. It is also possible to fly
from city to city, but get to the airport early and bring cash for your
tickets.
Talk
The official language is French. There are numerous ethnic languages,
and the three most prevalent are Susu, pular(foulah) and Malinke. Susu
is spoken in the coastal region and in the capital city.
Buy
They do not sell a lot of trinkets in Guinea, but they have wonderful
cloth that you can take home as is. The tailors are very skilled and can
create an outfit in approximately a day.
You can eat african everywhere for 20000 guinean franc meants $4 us or
international food. Beef is very good. No pork because the religion.
Drink
Drink Bottled water - make sure the bottles arrive at your table unopened.
Canned European Beers are avaialble as well as a local "Skol"
lager beer. I suggest Mariador hotel runs by french, very good price,
very good service, you can stay there a week, a month, they are very friendly.
There are good restaurants run by Lebanease, they have good breakfest
like in Europe.
Work
Always say hello to everyone, they can always help you in bad situations,
Guineans are loyal.
Stay healthy
" Drink Bottled water - make sure the bottles arrive at your table
unopened.
" Take Anti-malarial prophylactics, cover up exposed skin during
the evening and early morning.
Respect
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