Discovering New Horizons: Adventure to the Cape Verde Archipelago
In the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, a tropical paradise named Cape Verde was discovered by Portuguese explorers around the year 1456. This archipelago, known for its black sand beaches lined with palm trees, wild coastlines, and mountainous landscapes, has been a treasure trove of natural beauty ever since.
The capital of Santiago, Praia, was the first stop during the exploration of various islands. Today, Praia is adorned with large murals and offers tours, making it a popular destination for tourists. However, a recent storm during a return ferry trip caused challenges and made many passengers seasick. Despite these difficulties, some women on the boat trip managed to nurse their babies and care for their sick children, displaying remarkable resilience.
One such traveler was an author who unexpectedly found themselves on the island of Santo Antão. The author's friends' flights were canceled, and later, so were theirs. Navigating through the unfamiliar terrain alone, the author was captivated by the zigzag mountain panoramas, long hikes through mountain villages, and deep ravines filled with tropical vegetation like mango, banana, and papaya trees.
Santo Antão is particularly unique, as it is home to the Pilorinhu association, the heart of the Achada Grande Frente neighborhood in Praia. This organisation runs numerous social projects, including homework help and community gardens, making a significant impact on the local community. Interestingly, while Portuguese is the official language on Santo Antão, it is still taught in schools, and people speak Creole among themselves. French is increasingly spoken due to the influx of French tourists.
The island of Fogo, known for its volcanic nature, offers a unique experience. Hikes on the island take you from a moon-like landscape to a lush jungle, through coffee plantations, and to the steep coast. Despite a volcanic eruption in late 2014, the island's tourist network has proven to be well-developed.
Cape Verde's history is rich and complex. Ribeira Grande, the first Portuguese settlement on Santiago, is now known as Cidade Velha. In the 17th century, Ribeira Grande was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with nearly 14,000 enslaved people on Santiago and Fogo islands. The author lost their passport during their travels, but managed to navigate diplomatic hurdles and catch their return flight after it was canceled.
Cape Verde gained independence from Portuguese rule in 1975, after 500 years under their flag. Today, the islands continue to attract tourists from around the world, offering a blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that is truly unparalleled.
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