The island has 7,000 inhabitants, most of whom live near the harbor. There is no tourist development. Only a handful of cruise ships stop by during the year. Eve and I will see the town as nature intended.
Malaria remains a concern in Equatorial Africa. The last case reported from the islands was two years ago. Aid agencies still run campaigns to distribute mosquito nets for sleeping under. Eve and I followed the ship‘s recommendations: light colored clothing, bug spray, go out only during the day.
We also chose to stay around the town. São Tomé and Principe were unsettled until the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century. They raised sugar cane for a while, then switched to cocoa, which is still produced and exported. The islands were Portuguese territories until they gained independence in 1975. Main language is Portuguese.
Everything grows here, due to the fertile volcanic soil and the equatorial climate. Dense rain forests cover the island.
A light warm rain comes and goes during our visit.
After our return to the ship around noon, the skies opened up. Timing is everything.
Home stretch! Cheers, Bob
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