Cabinda: Angola's Enchanted Enclave

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/deh-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-seh fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr ooh meh-noo/pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chama a Polícia!
  [shah-mah ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chama um médico!
  [shah-mah oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Quero comprar...
  [keh-roo kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a olhar
  [ehs-toh soh ah oh-lahr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-too coo-stah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-so eh mwee-tooh kahr-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh by-shahr ooh preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-oo]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia
  [may-oo dee-ah eh may-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-jeh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Seis
  [say-eesh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [deh-z]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh moh-strahr-meh/noo mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwahn-doo eh ooh proh-see-moh/ow-toh-kah-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lyeh-teh/pah-rah]

Cabinda has been inhabited for thousands of years, with early settlers including the Bakongo people, part of the larger Kongo Kingdom which dominated the region from the late 14th century. The Kongo Kingdom was a centralized state with a complex political structure and a rich culture that left a lasting impact on the area.

The first Europeans to arrive in Cabinda were the Portuguese in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Cabinda had become an important focal point for Portuguese traders. In 1885, the Treaty of Simulambuco was signed, making Cabinda a Portuguese protectorate. This treaty played a crucial role in defining Cabinda's boundaries and its relationship with Portugal.

During the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, European powers formalized their claims over African territories. Cabinda, due to the Treaty of Simulambuco, was recognized as a Portuguese possession, distinct from Angola. This period saw significant European influence and infrastructure development in the area.

In the mid-20th century, as decolonization swept across Africa, Cabinda became embroiled in the struggle for independence. The region's unique status led to complex political dynamics. While Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975, Cabinda's status remained a contentious issue, with various factions advocating for its autonomy or integration with Angola.

Post-independence, Cabinda experienced periods of conflict due to its distinct identity and the presence of valuable oil reserves. The Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) has been a key group in the region, fighting for independence. Despite various peace agreements, tensions have occasionally flared up, affecting stability and development.

Cabinda boasts a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its indigenous roots and colonial history. Traditional Bakongo customs and languages remain prevalent, and the region is known for its music, dance, and artisan crafts. Festivals and cultural events celebrate this diverse heritage, making Cabinda a vibrant and culturally rich destination.

The discovery of oil in the mid-20th century transformed Cabinda into a significant economic hub. The offshore oil fields contribute substantially to Angola's GDP. This economic boon has brought both development and challenges, as the region grapples with issues of resource management and equitable distribution of wealth.

Cabinda is accessible primarily via air and sea. The Cabinda Airport (CAB) has flights connecting to Luanda, the capital of Angola, and other regional destinations. Major airlines such as TAAG Angola Airlines operate regular flights. Additionally, Cabinda can be reached by sea through the Port of Cabinda, which handles both cargo and passenger ships. Road travel from the rest of Angola is challenging due to the geographical separation by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Within Cabinda, transportation options include taxis, minibuses (candongueiros), and car rentals. Taxis are the most convenient but can be expensive, so be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand. Minibuses are a cheaper alternative but can be crowded. Car rentals are available but require an international driving permit. Note that road conditions can vary, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for more remote areas.

The official currency in Cabinda is the Angolan Kwanza (AOA). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but cash is preferred, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available but can be unreliable, so it is advisable to carry enough cash for your needs. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and in major hotels.

Cabinda is generally safe for tourists, but it is crucial to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious in less populated areas. Neighborhoods such as the outskirts of Cabinda city have reported higher crime rates, so it is advisable to stick to well-trafficked areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police and 112 for medical assistance. Cabinda has several hospitals and clinics, including the Cabinda Provincial Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English. Always carry a copy of your passport and emergency contact numbers.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and be quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do be polite and patient. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cabinda like a local, visit the local markets such as the Cabassango Market where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Angolan crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about Cabinda’s history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Maiombe Forest Reserve for a unique nature experience. Also, try the local cuisine, especially dishes like Muamba de Galinha and funge.