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São Vicente: Exploring
the Island
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Sunday 13th November 2022
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Docked in the port
of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, this was
the view which greeted us when we pulled back the curtains
and looked out. Our first impression was that it was very
different to Sal, the rather flat island we had sailed from
overnight. We were to discover many more differences today
and tomorrow whilst we remained here. Being a Sunday, Mindelo,
including its markets, wouldn't be fully open for business,
so our thoughtful tour managers decided that we would do
the scenic tour of the island today and experience the more
cultural side of the town tomorrow. |
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The view,
looking right... |
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...and then looking
straight ahead from our cabin. The land in the distance
is the island of Santo Antão, which we would be visiting
in two day's time. |
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Ilhéu
dos Pássaros is an uninhabited rocky islet with a lighthouse
(Farol do Ilhéu dos Pássaros) on it. |
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An inter-island
ferry. |
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The drive was certainly
panoramic... but some people (I name no names) had to close
their eyes from time to time! |
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We didn't really agree
with the opinion in the guide notes (see above) stating
that the rest of São Vicente doesn't really live
up to Mindelo's promise because it is "relentlessly
arid, with denuded mountains and just a few ragged villages".
It omitted to mention, for example, that it is spectacularly
beautiful, with some views that could rival the best in
the world... |
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The view of Mindelo
as seen from the summit of Monte Verde (744m), after a rapid
ascent, travelling via some very twisty roads! |
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Our ship,
the Hebridean Sky, clearly visible in the port, a long way below
us. |
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Leaving the summit,
we began our descent towards the coast and Praia Grande,
with more spectacular views along the way. The nature reserve
island of Santa Luzia can be seen here. It is one of the
ten main islands; the uninhabited one. |
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Praia
Grande |
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An opportunity to sample
grogue, the national liqueur. It wasn't to everybody's taste
(including Geoff's). Bruce declined. |
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Ribeira
de Calhau - an agricultural valley. |
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After
a very interesting excursion, it was back to the ship for a relaxing
afternoon aboard. |
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Afternoon
tea is a must, whenever we are aboard! |
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After
dinner, we were treated to a performance by some Mindelo Carnival
dancers.
They were wonderful! |
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