The Tranquil Paradise of Boa Vista

• 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/a
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/ah]
• Excuse me/SorryDesculpe/Desculpa
  [deh-skool-peh/deh-skool-pah]
• How are you?Como estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahsh]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E tu?
  [behn/eh too]
• Do you speak English?Falas inglês?
  [fah-lahsh een-glaysh]
• 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 oo meh-noo/pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
• 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/a
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo/ah]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [eh-stoh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-too koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-tooh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Podes baixar o preço?
  [poh-dehs bigh-shahr oo preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahsh saun]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia (10)
  [may-ah (10)]
• 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
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [say-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehs]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é a morada?
  [kwahl eh ah moh-rah-dah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Podes mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-dehs moh-shtr-meh (noh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwahn-doh eh oo proh-see-moh (ow-toh-kah-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lye-teh (pah-rah)]

Boa Vista was discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1460, during the Age of Exploration. The island initially served as a stopover point for ships navigating the Atlantic Ocean. The first significant settlement on Boa Vista was established in 1620, primarily focusing on salt extraction and agriculture.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Boa Vista faced numerous pirate raids due to its strategic location and valuable salt resources. To protect the island, the Portuguese built several fortifications, including the Fort of Duque de Bragança, which served as a critical defensive structure against pirate incursions.

The island's economy flourished during the 18th century through the production and export of salt. Salt pans were established in several areas, most notably in the town of Sal Rei. Additionally, the cultivation of date palms became a significant agricultural activity, contributing to the island's economic stability.

The abolition of slavery in 1876 marked a significant turning point for Boa Vista and Cabo Verde as a whole. The end of the slave trade led to socio-economic changes, including shifts in labor practices and the emergence of new community structures. Former slaves and their descendants played a crucial role in the island's cultural and economic development.

Boa Vista remained under Portuguese colonial rule until 1975, when Cabo Verde gained independence. During the colonial era, the island experienced infrastructural developments, including the construction of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. The struggle for independence was marked by a strong sense of national identity and cultural preservation.

Since gaining independence, Boa Vista has undergone significant modernization, particularly in the tourism sector. The island's stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and historical sites have attracted visitors from around the world. Investments in infrastructure, such as the construction of the Aristides Pereira International Airport, have facilitated the island's growth as a premier tourist destination.

Boa Vista is accessible via the Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC), located on the island. Direct flights are available from several European cities, including Lisbon and London. Domestic flights from other Cape Verde islands, such as Santiago and Sal, are also frequent. Alternatively, ferries operate between Boa Vista and other islands; however, they can be infrequent and subject to weather conditions. It's advisable to book flights and ferries in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Boa Vista is relatively small, and many attractions are within walking distance in the main town of Sal Rei. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. There are also aluguer (shared minibuses) that operate on fixed routes around the island, which are a cost-effective option. Renting a car or a quad bike is another popular choice for exploring the island at your own pace. Note that road conditions can vary, and some areas may require a 4x4 vehicle.

The official currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Euros are also widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Sal Rei, but they may not always be reliable, so plan accordingly. Currency exchange services are available at banks and some hotels.

Boa Vista is generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in crowded areas and markets. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, especially in the outskirts of Sal Rei. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items. If renting a vehicle, do not leave valuables inside. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid hitchhiking.

In case of emergency, dial 132 for police, 131 for medical emergencies, and 130 for fire services. The main hospital on Boa Vista is located in Sal Rei, offering basic medical services. For more serious medical issues, you may need to be transported to a larger hospital on another island or abroad. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available in Sal Rei for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, and if you visit a church, dress appropriately and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be courteous and patient when using aluguer. They may not run on a fixed schedule. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Olá' or 'Bom dia.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Boa Vista like a local, visit the municipal market in Sal Rei where you can buy fresh seafood, fruits, and local crafts. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and open to sharing their culture. Don't miss the annual Boa Vista Music Festival, a vibrant event showcasing local and international artists. For an authentic experience, take a trip to the small villages like Povoação Velha, where you can see traditional Cape Verdean life and enjoy local cuisine.