Cape Verde

We arrived today at the West African island country of Cape Verde (pop 588,000) which is about 350 miles from the coast of Africa (Senegal). We spent the day on the island of São Vincent (one of 10 islands as indicated by the stars on their flag) which covers 1,557 square miles. We arrived at Porto Grande Bay on the north side of the island where Mindelo is located, the largest port city lined with old colonial houses. The city is home to 93% of the entire island's population (81,014) where 49% are under 25 years old and only 7% over 65 years old. In Cape Verde the population speak Portuguese and Creole (a hybrid African language).

As background, uninhabited until the 15th century, Cape Verde became the first European settlement in the tropics. Cape Verde islands were located in a convenient location to play a role in the Atlantic slave trade and therefore attracted a strong economy in the16th and 17th centuries. They also provided key supplies of water and food to boats sailing to America, Europe and Africa. From 1815-1822, Brazil owned these islands and then in 1951 they were what was considered an overseas Portuguese department. In 1975 they became independent and is considered one of the most democratic and stable countries in Africa.

Although the Cape Verde is not very “Verde” (green) with its barren mountain scenery, there are interesting formations that lead down to beautiful beaches. First, we went to Praca Nova, the colonial square and went into the Cape Verdean Cultural museum and theater which includes rotating exhibits from local artists and a quaint old theater (interesting model boats). We then visited an active fish market, a vegetable market and an outdoor art exhibit. Next, we walked to a West African marketplace that sold handcrafted goods of wood, wicker baskets and art.

We visited the beautiful Catfish Bay (at Baja das Gatas). The highlight was when we went up to the top of majestic Monte Verde (not easy on these stone laid roads), the highest point on Sao Vincent at 2500 feet high for great views of the crescent shaped Praia Grande with white sand and black lava mountains. Even with the fog rolling in, it was quite an experience.

At the TOP of Monte Verde I got to “try” grogue, the national liquor made from sugarcane of Cape Verde. Grogue is a traditional drink made using a press (trapiche). Grogue, handmade, is also used for “medicines” and may soon (once the production is standardized) be offered in Europe!

NOTE: there are 2 videos in this post. The first follows the is just after the guy cleaning fish. If you are viewing the photos in full screen, click on it to see the arrow to play it. The second video follows the handicrafts and gives you an idea of the trip up the mountain.Read more