Where are we today? Mindelo and Praia de Sao Pedro, Cape Verde

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 We had a beautiful day in Cape Verde (also known as Cabo Verde). These islands were uninhabited until the Portuguese arrived in the fifteenth century.  People still speak Portuguese and a Creole tongue, as well.  

This colorful wall attached to the art museum is made of lids for 50 gallon oil drums. A few of the lids are attached in a way that they can function as louvers. 








Dave and I took a shuttle a short way into town and walked around some.  We took a taxi about 30 minutes out of town to Plaia de Sao Pedro.  I walked the beach and hung out at Moreno Beach Club; Dave hiked 2 miles along the cliffs to visit a lighthouse.  When he got there, the lighthouse keeper was delighted to have company. He gave Dave a tour and offered him lunch, but Dave told him I was waiting and hiked back to have lunch with me.  

This is part of the trail that Dave took, which is like that all the way.  The keeper (actually a live-in security guard for this non functioning lighthouse) has to haul his groceries and water up this same path. 















Cabo Verde has many stray dogs, most of whom are so thin their ribs are showing. Other than being emaciated, they are pretty.  They are the offspring of Labrador retrievers that sailors brought back from trading trips and another breed that sailors once usef to keep rats out of ships.  Just in case you are interested, there is at least one adoption program. http://www.capeverdeinfo.org.uk/cape_verde_wild%20_dogs.htm

Now, we’re off to see if we can find “the new world.”  Our departure was delayed several hours due to problems refueling, so the ship is going to run faster than normal to catch up. 
Enjoy! 

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