Praia, Cape Verde
December 10, 2022
Today we pulled into port at 7 am. The tour company I was working with sent a message late last night. They were willing to do an afternoon tour for us starting at 1:30 pm. This would work well for us as most of the tours left early and we would have less tourist traffic.
We decided to visit Praia after the ship docked. This city impressed us with cleanliness. More so then most of the stops along the African coast. The city was first settled by the Portuguese in the 15 century. It did not have enough vegetation to begin a colony but it did have a valley that had running fresh water. Soon, plants were brought from Portugal to see what would survive in this area. This was the beginning of the colonization. Slaves were brought over from the African continent to provide the labor needed. Independence was won in 1975.
Tourism provides much to the economy. Most tourists are from Europe and specifically Germany. Weather is very stable year round and the island is beautiful.
We walked to the main market of the city. Partially covered. We passed the head of a recently butchered cow on the sidewalk and its body was in the back of a pickup truck. Interesting stuff but nothing said “buy me”.
We toured the downtown on our own and then took the shuttle bus back to the ship to enjoy lunch. After lunch we walked to the port gate where we met our guide.
Damaris took us to the neighboring Cidade Velha. This is where the valley with the water is and where civilization on this island began.
We did pass a University on the way. Compliments of China.
Great tour of this city. We met some of the family of our guide and did see some boys do a dance for us.
We stopped in a cafe for some local drinks.
