The Odyssey of Makoko

Cape Verde Islands: a group of 8 small islands with a total population of 450,000 people

We have had four interesting days at Mindelo on the island of Sao Vincente.

The country was a Portuguese colony from the 15^th century til 1975 when it finally gained independence. Slaves were shipped across from Senegal and Guinea to work on plantations so there is quite a social and cultural mix of people. It is still relatively poor with most of the income coming from fishing, subsistence farming and a little tourism.

The town of Mindelo is bustling with women in colourful head scarves seeling their garden produce; mainly bananas, papayas, tart little apples, lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes and potatoes.

The fish market is full of all kinds of fish and very cheap. I bought a kilo of mackerel for one euro and tuna and squid for 4 euro. My fish were expertly cleaned by a boy for a euro; the koala key ring I also gave him added a huge smile and” obrigado” said several times.

The day after our arrival we took a trip across to Santo Antao Island. We caught a ferry and hired Dongo an amusing local guide with long Rastafarian hair to show us around. The scenery was spectacular, high mountains, misty tropical rain forests on the northern coast, steep ravines plungin g hundreds of metres down to the sea.

Dongo and the crew

Amazing ridge with a 700 metre sheer drop on each side

Colourfully painted square box houses with unfinished roof terraces were the dominant architectural style.

On our return to Mindelo we found ourselves in the midst of a fiesta celebrating the end of slavery. Many were dressed in traditional costumes and had their faces and bodies painted black. As we danced along the streets with them we felt what a wonderful way to celebrate our stay in this interesting place.