(Note: I am having difficulty updating my blog and uploading photos due to weak WiF signali. I will try to update you as much as the free WIFI will allow me.)
After nine days of cruising the Atlantic Ocean we finally docked in Praia, Ilha de Santiago, Cape Verde! As I mentioned earlier in my blogs, we are being entertained and nourished quite well aboard the Viking and with so many activities (or inactivities) boredom was not really an issue. However, we are creatures who are more comfortable with both feet on firm ground. And I did yell “Land ahoy” when I saw we were nearing land.
Cape Verde or Cabo Verde, officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelago and island country in the central Atlantic Ocean off the western coast of Africa, consisting of ten volcanic islands with a combined land area of about 4,033 square kilometers. The official language is Portuguese as it was once a colony of Portugal. It is comprised of ten small islands. Most people of Cape Verde are Creole, or of mixed white and black descent due to the history of slavery.
We had two ports to visit in Cape Verde. The first one was Praia, the capital of the archipelago country. We went to the included tour (meaning it was FREE) and walked to explore the Old Town. We passed by the Palace of the President and saw some soldiers marching. We browsed their local markets. Cape Verde is considered a third world country and barely could grow its own agricultural products, most have to be imported as all the islands are volcanic. Our bus took us to the imposing Sao Felipe Royal Fortress.
The ship pulled out at 5:00 pm and sailed to our next destination overnight. We pulled in in the port of Mindelo, Cape Verde at 6:00 am. I noticed immediately the contrast between Praia and Mindelo while the ship was pulling into port and this was confirmed when we went to the tour – Mindelo is a cleaner and more vibrant city. The streets wider and there seemed to be more activity going on around. Of course, they have the same numbers of sidewalk vendors hawking their products ranging from clothes to electronic gadgets to food products. Praia vendors sold more fruits and vegetables whereas Mindelo vendors sold more fish.
We admired the rugged beauty of Sao Vicente during our panoramic excursion. Our comfortable tour bus agonizingly worked its way up the summit of Monte Verde (even though the elevation was only 2,441 feet it was steep). The slow drive to the top though was worth it! We were rewarded with an amazing view of the low lying mountains, the multi-colored city and the turquoise water of the Atlantic Ocean.
After the excursion, Trini and I decided to enjoy the luxurious spa onboard the Viking taking advantage of the peace and quiet since most guests were ashore. We totally enjoyed again for the third time the sauna, steam room, ice room, and whirlpool. After the walking tour we needed this to soothe and relax our tired muscles and joints.
We have to prioritize which meeting to attend first – Alcoholics Anonymous or Overeaters Anonymous. I kid you not. We probably eat and consume alcohol like the ancient Romans did – maybe I’m exaggerating but we’re pretty close!
The ports we visited so far may not have met our expectations but like the ship’s cruise director said – “With open hearts and open minds, you will always be welcome wherever you go”, and with that advise, we are looking forward to our next port – Madeira (Funchal), Portugal!
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