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São Tomé

Many of the African ports were first discovered by explorers from the country of Portugal before any other European country. It was a colony until its independence in 1975. São Tomé is the capital city serving both São Tomé and the town of Principe located in the mountainous north. The island is known for growing coffee beans and cocoa. The coffee remains on the island but the cocoa is exported to Europe. Traveling north to São Tomé had us crossing the equator one last time.

I took a three hour excursion around the town. We have visited many economically poor areas and this is one of them. In spite of that, the people greeted us with plenty of smiles and waves.

Cruising into the port.
Some of the homes overlooking the water were beautiful.
Some had had better days
The old Portuguese fort has been converted into a museum.
Many of the local people were used as slave labor on the plantation or sold to traders. Those who did not cooperate were forced into this hole. The bottom faces the ocean and is fenced. When the tide rises the slaves would drown. This was one of the many accounts of brutality we have learned about during our worldwide adventure.
From the inner court looking up to the lighthouse.
Miniatures displaying the various attire worn by the population.
From the top of the fort overlooking the ocean.
We were treated to dancing at a local village.
The local Catholic Church which took 400 years to build because other European explorers would destroy the city in an effort to gain control.
Portuguese tile decorated the interior.
The Presidential Palace
Independence Square
They have delicious chocolate.

We were the last cruise ship to visit for the season. Hopefully, next year will be better for the people of this area of the world.

Cheers and good night Joey

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