Day 100 of 113. [14 more sleeps.]
Fellette still has the throat today and we think that we will just chill out today and reduce the risk of spreading whatever she has to others. When Fellette gets a cough or cold, for some reason she does not get it too bad, she must have good genes in that regard. Doug however, when he gets a cold and cough, there is a National Emergency called and suicide counsellors are called in to prevent him from committing suicide at 2.00 AM in the mornings as he tries to get to sleep between coughing spells.
Cape Verde's population is mostly creole; its capital city Praia accounts for a quarter of the country's estimated 500,000 citizens. Nearly 38% live in rural areas according to the 2010 Cape Verdean census. The literacy rate is around 85%. Politically, the country is a very stable democracy. Its notable economic growth and improvement in living conditions despite a lack of natural resources has garnered international recognition, with other countries and international organizations often providing development aid. Since 2007, Cape Verde has been classified as a developing nation. Due to tough economic times, many Cape Verdeans fled the islands and now there are more Cape Verdeans living abroad than in the country. Life expectancy is around 78 years, not bad for a poor country. All this compliments of Wikipedia.
As I mentioned, Fellette is feeling a bit rough, so at 9.30 we two took the short shuttle ride to the city centre of Praia. I should tell you that earlier this morning when I went on the balcony and we were still a few miles out I could smell the city. I told Fellette that I thought it smelt like Crawford Market in Mumbai, India. That was a very interesting market. Regardless, we were dropped off near a small cliff overlooking the harbour. We wandered up to the central park and then to the market. It was about the busiest, most crowded market we have ever seen, almost claustrophobic. A few pictures were taken in there and then out the other side to the street where some shops were selling tinned goods etc.
Soon Fellette said she was ready to return to the sanctuary of the ship and our very quiet and serene cabin where she has a good book. I can see why this port was not on the original schedule and I will not be planning a vacation at Praia, Cape Verde in the near future.
It was interesting to see so many woman carrying loads, some very heavy, on their heads. On the way back to the ship we could see on the cliffs above, years and years of garbage that was strewn down the gully that has been dumped by inhabitants of the houses at the cliff's edge. Not dangerous I suppose, but it says something about the place. The pavement and curbs in the city were a disaster waiting to happen.
The photos below were taken by me in the 3/4 hour that we were on the streets.
Jim and Gail went ashore and did make it to the old city and the old fort and tempted fate by having a beer and a milkshake there. The last five photos are Jim's.
We sailed at 5.00 for the other port in Cape Verde on our schedule, Mindelo, where we have two days. Oh boy, I hope Mindelo is an improvement on Praia!
Pics.
- Where in the world we are, at the left end of the solid red line.
- Sunrise this morning.
- The view from our deck, at that time it looked quite promising.
- Drug store
- Cannon.
- Just a street.
- Good picture.
- The park.
- Nearing the crowded market.
- Next three; in the market.
- Dry goods and a brick and mortar store.
- Welcome to my store!
- Next three, beauty is where you find it.
- Partly demolished building on the main street.
- Dry river bed.
- Vendors near the ship.
- Garbage dump is very handy.
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