We are docked at Porto Grande at Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente which is part of Cape Verde today. It was partly cloudy and 72 degrees for our arrival with 25 knots of wind.
Historical/Background Info:
We
visited here back in 2010 also. We were
impressed with this very colorful and super clean town. Cape Verde is an archipelago and island
country lying 320 and 460 miles off the west coast of Africa in Atlantic Ocean. It consists of 10 volcanic islands which are
considered part of Africa. The
Portuguese claimed the islands that form Cape Verde in 1460 and it was a hub
for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Independence from the Portugal was achieved in 1975. Mindelo is on the island of St Vincent which
is a very arid island so there is little agriculture here. The island is only 15 miles long and 10 miles
wide with a population of 81,000. Even
though the island is of volcanic origin, it is fairly flat. Its highest point is Mount Verde at 2441 feet
high. 92% of the island’s population
live in Mindelo. Fishing, shipping,
boating, and tourism form its economic backbone these days. The streets and sidewalks in town are mostly
cobblestone. So with the cobblestone
streets and different colors of houses and buildings, it is really quite
beautiful here.
LAST EVENING
The pre-dinner show with 4 of the production cast singer was very good. We did not recognize any of the songs they selected from some Broadway shows however.
Dinner tonight with Marcia, Marge, Harvey, Richard, and us was SO entertaining. We never knew what was going to come out of anyone's mouth. Laughed my ass off!
My last popcorn sundae for this cruise. YUMMY!
Richard did not want dessert so they wrote "Nothing" on his plate.
Rebecca and Marcia split a key lime pie.
TODAY
Sailing into the port at 6:30.
Several wind turbines here. Appears the ship did a 180 degree turn and we are backing into the port.
Bia was our tour guide. She was a school teacher but this is Sunday.
This is the public beach. It looks quite nice.
They call it "dog beach" as is only beach where dogs are allowed.
Dedicated to the first Portuguese aviators who crossed the Atlantic.
Our first stop was along the shore in Mindelo. You will note the very colorful, colonial buildings in Mindelo.
This is the old Customs House but now a cultural center.
Inside the cultural center.
I noticed this sign after taking the photos above. Everyone was taking photos however.
Of course there was a gift shop in the center.
On top of the hill was a fortress back in late 1700's and 1800's to protect the port from pirates. Then it was made a prison. Now Spanish investors are turning it into a casino.
A look down the street to the Town Hall. Government building for the island.
This dog lying in the street along the curb. The island had LOTS of dogs and cats roaming around.
Colorful buildings
American sercada trees were brought here as they require very little water to grow and this is a dry island.
Fishing boats
Not exactly sure what this was.
This man was cleaning some fish. More flies than fish!
This is Sunday so all the markets we were to tour were closed. This is the fish market.
We are doing a walking tour now and it the Praca Estrela (whatever that is).
African market was here but not many vendors mid Sunday morning.
Our guide said in the old days women would walk the streets with baskets of fish on their heads calling out to sell their fish.
Streets were cobblestone and half of the roads we traveled on the tour were also.
We walked through the historical section of town and this is the oldest church on the island. Built in 1862.
The Town Hall
The old People Palace which is now a museum.
We are now driving up to the top of Monte Verde. On the side of this hill is some poor peoples homes built with tin. Very hot in summer and cold in winter.
Saw several goats on our way up the mountain. Not much for them to eat in my opinion.
Now on top at 2440 feet above sea level. Sorry but hazy up here for good photos of the port and our ship.
Looking below at the winding road we took. It was cobblestone and bouncy.
There was a "one hole" toilet.
There were drinks for us. I tried a shot of the local hooch.
Looking up side of the mountain as we drove back down. Very rocky volcanic island.
Not the tree with top blown almost sideways. Very windy up through the mountain valleys.
Now down at the shore with waves hitting the beach.
The sand making up the beaches here came from the Sahara Desert via wind and waves from storms over the thousands of years.
Not much growing here on the volcanic soil.
They call this "Lying Face". Can you see it in photo center??
Back at the ship by 12:15 an hour late due to our late departure. Washed my hands and grabbed Rebecca and headed down to CR for some lunch. I have been working on the blog for a couple hours getting the 70 photos on and descriptions written. Now about 3pm.
My Impression of Cape Verde
We just visited this one island today of Cape Verde. Mindelo was pretty dead this morning since it was Sunday so did not see many citizens or kids. The ones I did see seemed very friendly and I felt very safe walking around. Loved the very colorful old colonial style buildings. For the most part the city was pretty clean. Our guide said the city government was empathizing people to be responsible and clean the streets. There were a LOT of dogs roaming around the streets with no owners in site. Cats too. So you had to pay attention where you were walking on the sidewalks. I enjoyed my tour but got bounced around a lot on the cobblestone roads. The weather cooperated and it was very pleasant walking in town. At the top of Monte Verde it was pretty cool and windy. This was one of the better West African ports.
Ok, now just resting and getting cleaned up for this evening. Cocktail hour in Mariner Lounge followed by dinner in CR.
First though will be interdenominational church service at 5:30.
I think Rebecca will have the stir fry but I have a special order in for panko coated shrimp as my entree.
The show tonight is featuring the second show of the comedic illusionist, Ruben Vilagrand. Several folks said his first show was good so I may go if I can stay awake until it.
We shall be sailing again at 5pm and be at sea for the next two days enroute to Tenerife.
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