Straight Out of Africa

As I mentioned earlier in the week, Adventureland at Disneyland Paris is composed of six distinct regions. We now move from the Middle East of Agrabah and the Arabian Nights, into the deserts and jungles of Africa. The transition between the two occurs here, at La Girafe Curieuse (The Curious Giraffe).

Housed in a packed mud structure reminiscent of those found in northern Africa, La Girafe Curieuse is an enterprise specializing in "tout pour le safari" (everything for safari). The proprietor here actually looks to make money from people both coming and going. Heading out on safari? He has whatever you may need. Just got back, but looking for the perfect gift for that certain someone? Check out the selection of curios sold inside or right off the truck.

Inside the shop, things are curious indeed. You can certainly find camping and safari gear, along with other trinkets (like Mickey Mouse pens and Tigger tees). Look up, and you'll also notice the branches of a large acacia tree have grown right through the wall of the shop. And who should be peeking in through that hole in the wall, but a very curious giraffe, gnawing away on the delicious leaves he's discovered.

As you leave the desert and move down closer to the water, the African region changes toward a look drawn from the Okavango River area in Botswana. Much of the architecture is comprised of rondavels, traditional circular structures typically built with stone walls and thatched rooftops.

One such rondavel anchors the French version of the Coca-Cola Cool Post. In addition to chilled, refreshing beverages, the Cool Post also offers quite a few storytelling details.

Clearly, Coca-Cola products are enjoyed around the world. The crates here show shipments marked for Japan and Ethiopia, among other locales. For those on the way there (or nowhere in particular), there's also a helpful sign to point you in the right direction. Notice the mentions of Agrabah, Okavango and Lost City (which we'll get to next week). As for the blue lettering on the second sign from the top... it looks like Greek, but your guess is as good as mine on what it says!