18/4/2016 St Vincent, Cape Verde Islands

Getting to Mindelo Harbour on St Vincent,  Cape Verde after 7 days at sea has been well worth the wait. We have just read that the deep water harbour was formed by a volcanic crater.  The sea is truly intense blue, light turquoise in patches, with tiny lines of white where the wind is whipping it up. From the ship directly in front of us we can see the stunning volcanic mountain ranges, and a good feeling about sustainability as there are "wind farms" both east and west.  The scenery is very beautiful. We did what we planned and went off to Mindelo by shuttle. It feels really African, the people, markets, sounds, even though we had read about the connection with Portugal until independence in 1975. As we deduced from the port presentation the Islands don't seem to have geared up for tourism yet, but I am sure they will become a really popular destination for both sun and adventure seekers soon.  There's no signs of hotels here in Mindelo on the beach, no expensive Waterfront, no jet skis or water ski-ing anywhere to be seen.  There were many people waiting to greet us off the shuttle bus inviting us to take the island tour, and sadly quite a lot of very poor looking people around, asking for money.  We didn't think about sharing a picnic until it was too late. :(

Over the day we have taken some lovely photos - big baskets of fish and fruit being carried by the women on their heads, a strong culture of bargaining for the best price.  Tiny cafes and bars, all very dark inside without windows. Groups of men old and young sitting outside near their fishing boats, or selling their wares on street corners, lots of laughter and oh yes, lots and lots of dogs. Yet the buildings do look Portuguese -  churches and house fronts in very bright colours, colonial statues, so it's been a very interesting day piecing it all together.




     



       













We had received a letter in our cabin yesterday with WHO advice about preventing Zika, listing Cape Verde as a risk area, and explaining that these Zika carrying mosquitoes are active during the day. The letter said we should cover up with dark long sleeved trousers and tops, and spray all over with 50% Deet like Jungle Formula or Lemon Eucalyptus like Mosiguard. We have been totally complicit and we have managed to avoid any bites today. Because the temperature has fallen a little bit and the wind is quite strong, blowing many hats off, we didn't feel uncomfortable covering up. We also think the wind will have helped to keep the mosquitoes away.  On the clothes market we bought ourselves an African outfit each.  Actually they will both be mine when we get home. I might be wrong but I don't think Khachik would wear his multi coloured tie dye top after the holiday.  I will wear my royal blue and white tie dye dress in the house like a robe, as well as on any warm days we might have in the summer.  Anyway mine is getting an outing tonight.

We are back in the cabin now, I have painted part of the coastline and we are waiting for dinner, sailing away from Mindelo port towards Tenerife.  Our coordinates are now 17 degrees north and 25 degrees west. Sea state is moderate and the wind is force 6, which means the decks are quite blowy and there are warnings about the doors, but no closures as yet. The sea looks choppy Tonight our entertainment will include an all female Beatles tribute band called Sister Twist in the Curzon theatre and afterwards in Carmen's ballroom an American guitarist we remember from last year Called Zach Winningham. I will come back with the appraisal tomorrow.

I am sorry not to have been able to show off any of our recent our photos, or live message or Skype -  we couldn't find any high speed wifi. I am sure we will when we reach Tenerife, meanwhile quick catches up only from the ship today and tomorrow. Then 20th Tenerife, 21st Gran Canaria and I think 22nd Madeira.
Bye for now