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São Nicolau: Exploring
the port town of Tarrafal and an excursion to Ribeira
Brava
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Thursday 17th November 2022
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Overnight we sailed from
Porto Novo, Santo Antão to the port of Tarrafal,
São Nicolau. |
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We were now definitely
off the main tourist route. There weren't enough minibuses
or guides to enable all passengers to go on the excursion
to the island's capital, Ribeira Brava, at the same time.
We were therefore split into two groups. Group one (our
group) would spend the morning at leisure in Tarrafal and
go on the excursion in the afternoon; group two would do
the opposite. |
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We disembarked
and walked the short distance from the ship into the centre of the
small town of Tarrafal. |
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This
beach is used mainly by the fishermen. |
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Beach
two, on the other side of the port, is used for leisure purposes. |
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After
our walk around the town, it was back to the ship for lunch. |
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After
lunch, we disembarked once again for the afternoon excursion. |
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A short
stop near Cachaco to admire the views. |
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More
dragon trees. |
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In the distance we could
see a dam wall, but no sign of any water. We were told that
the reservoir was built at great expense. There was joy
when the rains came, the river filled with water and the
dam filled up. A few days later, however, the water had
all drained away. We don't really know the cause (something
to do with the soil we think), but in a country where water
is so precious, it seemed like a very sad story. |
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After
our scenic stop, we drove on to Ribeira Brava. |
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The dry
bed of the Ribeira Brava stream. We wondered what it would look
like in flood. |
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After a guided walk
in the charming town, we went to a local cafe/ restaurant,
where we were treated to another rendition of the sorrowful
morna, whilst enjoying some drinks and snacks. |
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The coast
near Ribeira Brava. |
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We drove back the same
way we had come, but stopped at a local stadium for a dance
performance. |
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We enjoyed the dancing
very much and loved seeing the children too. Afterwards,
we drove back to the port. |
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In the late afternoon,
several turtles appeared (one highlighted below). They kept
us entertained for at least half an hour. |
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As the
sun was setting, local fishermen were going out. |
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Just before dark, children
began appearing in groups, some walking, others on their
bikes. It seemed to be an organised activity and we wondered
what the occasion might be. |
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After a very interesting
day, it was time to set sail for the island of Brava. |
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