Day 76, Sao Tome, An Island Nation off the west coast of Africa

Even on stormy evenings, the sunset is beautiful!

Sao Tome is the capital and largest city of this island country. It was discovered by the Portuguese in 1493. And when they say "discovered" that is exactly what they mean. There were zero inhabitants on the island when the Portuguese ship landed. What they did find was that it was an excellent place to grow sugarcane, which they did in abundance once slaves were brought in to work the fields. Our "Currents" publication states that the first slaves were Jewish children eight years old and younger from the Iberian peninsula. Eventually they realized The Kongo was much closer and an easier source of labor for the sugarcane fields. Our young guide, Ageu, is a native to the island and has in fact never been off the island though he hopes to do so one day. His English was impeccable. So much so that one of the Brits inquired about where he learned to speak so well. His response, he has just completed his first year in University studying to be an English teacher. School thru high school is mandatory and free, however the uniforms, books and supplies must be purchased. Sao Tome was almost entirely liter free, major roads well maintained, a minimum of traffic lights or signs, and HOT! But as Ageu said, "You can touch the equator from here." The streets of downtown were crowded with markets selling few if any handicrafts but many, many previously used garments of all kinds. Seldom does a cruise ship stop here, I am very happy that ours did.

Independence Square. Their independence was won in November 1975.

Cathedral was originally built in the 16th century, then restored/rebuilt in the 19th century and is the vocal point of the city and island. The governor's (or maybe its Presidential) mansion was on the street to the left of the cathedral, a beautiful pink colonial structure with Buckingham Palace type guards stationed at the front entrance. No pictures were allowed.

Traditional dance performance for our viewing pleasure.

Statues of the three Portuguese men credited with discovering this beautifully lush island adorn the courtyard of the original fort now turned national museum.

This sea turtle statue? graced the center of the interior museum courtyard. Immediately in front and below the head of the turtle is a manhole cover which can only be opened from above. The pit beneath, according to Ageu, was where rebellious slaves were placed until they either died or saw the error of their ways.

Ageu explaining the meaning of their flag. My apologies to Ageu and you who are reading this, I did not retain the significance of each color. Sorry about that it truly was interesting.

The beautiful lighthouse HIGH atop the fort/museum. Some of my more agile shipmates climbed to the top of the lighthouse and were awed by the view. The very step stairway to the rooftop was enough for me. Is it just me or is the sky in the entire southern hemisphere bluer than ours? These pictures have not been enhanced.

One of several old cannons left from the fort days.

The Insignia awaiting our return to continue our journey southward. Sao Tome does not have a dock large enough to accommodate our ship, so we dropped anchor, lowered a few lifeboats and used them as tenders for getting ashore.

Before going back to our ship, Ageu had one more treat for us. We were bused to a coastal fishing village and treated to grilled fish which was delicious even to this mostly non-fish eater. Along the shore I noted a young woman doing her laundry in the shade of a tree where a stream met the ocean. As a bonus at the fishing village of Pantufo, school dismissed and we were soon surrounded by the sweetest most friendly children imaginable. No language barrier here, just really wide smiles and hands waving their friendly greetings. A couple tried to get on the bus with us but Ageu shooed them off. Another 10 minute stop at the "Chinese store" (reminiscent of an old K-Mart) where we could pay in US dollars, then it was back to the ship and a four o'clock departure. Goodbye to a beautiful island filled with beautiful, loving people.

Today Is Someday! Love Someone Today!