First discovered in the 1450's. Sao Vicente was uninhabited until the 18th century, when the Portuguese built a colony here, which grew as a provisioning station for ships crossing the Atlantic for the slave trade. After a hundred year drought devastated the island with most of its inhabitants dying or immigrating, the British formed a colony here in Mindelo in the 19th century and used it as a coal station at the height of the steam ship era. Today the population speaks a local Creole language which combines Portuguese with several African languages and makes their living by fishing and in the tourist trade. Mindelo retains the influences of the past, from its Portuguese architecture to the British afternoon tea.
We are here two full days mainly a result of not visiting Dakar and Gambia. Today we did the town from the replica Tower of Belem to the many markets and all points in between, including a stop a delicatessen for a Pastel de Nata break, delicious. Later on board we had some local entertainment during a dinner barbecue, great fun as Jeff had purchased some 86% proof "Grog" which really got the night moving.
Hope you enjoy our pictures of the day. BTW - the huge sailing yacht pictured here (this craft was equal in size to any freighter in the harbour) is reportedly belonging to one Prince Harry of the Royal Family. And no we did not see evidence of him on board today, but then again you never know...
No comments:
Post a Comment