May 4, 2024

The port of Mindelo on the island of Sao Vincente in Cape Verde is an isolated island that was uninhabited when Portuguese explores discover it in the fifteenth century. Lying in the mid-Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Senegal in Africa, Cape Verde played a key role in the African slave trade. The slave ships that I spoke of previously transferring slaves from Zanzibar would stop at Cape Verde for supplies for crew enroute to the slave auctions in Virginia. To add to the cruelty, slaves remained onboard in dire conditions.

The haze of the African coast due to differences in sea and air temperature and to the Saharan dust in the wind causes limited visibility. The tallest mountain, Mount Verde, was shrouded in clouds.

The land was dry with few signs of verde (green) for which the island was named. Over many decades the climate has changed resulting in little rain.

The only farming I saw was from remnants of terraced plots where once locals grew crops. Even then, this farmer planted between volcanic stones.

Portugal has left its mark on many ports of call around the world. Whether it be Brazil, Madeira or the Azores, I’ve found clues to their Portuguese past in building styles, the gray and black mosaics of their streets and walkways, and the colorful tiles on their buildings. Not so much in Cape Verde. Only gaining its independence in 1975, the country feels neglected, and its streets reflect that neglect.

As we prepare to cross the Atlantic enroute to San Juan, Puerto Rico before arriving back in Fort Lauderdale, we are met with unusually calm Atlantic crossing.

I came across a few photos that did not fit into any narrative of my past posts. I thought you might enjoy them.

Thanks for traveling with us.