Praia: The Heartbeat of Cabo Verde

• HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
• GoodbyeAté logo
  [ah-TEH LOH-goo]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-VOHR/deh NAH-dah]
• Thank youObrigado(a)
  [oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-SEN-sah/dehs-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [KO-moo ehs-TAH]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-SEH]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [FAH-lah een-GLEHZ]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-TEN-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-REE-ah deh vehr oo MEH-noo/por fah-VOHR]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now KOH-moo KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-OO-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-REE-ah deh pah-GAHR/por fah-VOHR]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-JOO-dah]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehm-BOH-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a Polícia!
  [SHAH-meh ah poh-LEE-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [SHAH-meh oom MEH-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido(a)
  [eh-STOH pehr-DEE-doo/dah]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-STOH doo-EHN-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Queria comprar...
  [KWEH-ree-ah kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [eh-STOH soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [KWAN-too KOOSH-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [EE-soh eh MWEEN-too KAH-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [POH-deh BY-shahr oo PREH-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh OH-rahs sao]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah OH-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [MAY-ah OH-rah (DEEZ)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-NYAH]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [NOY-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-TEHM]
• TodayHoje
  [OH-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-NYAH]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-EESS]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayss]
• 7Sete
  [SEH-teh]
• 8Oito
  [OY-toh]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde é o/a...?
  [OHN-deh eh oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh oo ehn-DEH-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [POH-deh moh-SHAR-meh/noo MAH-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [KWAN-doo eh oo proh-KHEE-moo/ow-toh-KAH-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom beel-YEH-teh/PAH-rah]

Praia, the capital city of Cabo Verde, was established in the late 16th century. It began as a small settlement on Santiago Island, chosen for its strategic location and natural harbor, which offered protection from pirate attacks. The settlement gradually grew into a vital port and administrative center, laying the foundation for the modern city.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Praia became an important hub in the Atlantic slave trade. The city's port facilitated the movement of enslaved Africans to the Americas, and many local fortunes were built on this grim trade. This period left a lasting impact on Praia's demographics and culture, with a mix of African, European, and indigenous influences.

In the 19th century, Praia emerged as the administrative capital of the Portuguese colony of Cabo Verde. The city saw the construction of significant colonial buildings, including the Presidential Palace and the Nossa Senhora da Graça church, reflecting the architectural styles and administrative priorities of the time.

The mid-20th century was marked by the struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule. Praia played a central role in the independence movement, with many clandestine meetings and rallies taking place in the city. Cabo Verde finally gained independence on July 5, 1975, and Praia was established as the capital of the new nation.

Post-independence, Praia experienced a cultural renaissance. The city became a center for Cabo Verdean music, dance, and art, with genres like morna and coladeira gaining international recognition. Cultural institutions such as the National Library and the Ethnographic Museum of Praia were established, preserving and celebrating the nation's rich heritage.

In recent decades, Praia has undergone significant modernization and expansion. The city has seen infrastructural improvements, including new roads, schools, and healthcare facilities. The Plateau district, with its vibrant markets, historic architecture, and lively nightlife, has become a focal point for both residents and visitors.

Praia, the capital city of Cabo Verde, is primarily accessible via Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI). Direct flights are available from major European cities, as well as from other countries in West Africa. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange an airport shuttle to your accommodation in the city. Ferry services are also available from other islands in the Cabo Verde archipelago, docking at the Port of Praia.

Praia offers various transportation options. Taxis are widely available and are the most convenient way to get around the city. For a more economical option, you can use the minibuses known as 'Hiaces' which operate on fixed routes. Car rentals are available for those who prefer driving themselves. Walking is feasible within the central areas of the city, but be cautious of traffic.

The official currency in Cabo Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout Praia, particularly in the city center. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in some banks.

Praia is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime. Areas such as Achada Grande Frente and Pensamento have higher crime rates targeting tourists, so it is advisable to avoid these neighborhoods, especially after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings, avoid displaying valuables, and use reputable taxi services. Stick to well-lit and populated areas at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 132 for police assistance, 131 for medical emergencies, and 133 for fire emergencies. The main hospital in Praia is Agostinho Neto Hospital, which provides a range of medical services. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and government buildings. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress appropriately and be mindful of ongoing services. Public Transport: Do be patient when using minibuses ('Hiaces'), as they can be crowded and schedules are flexible. Don't argue with drivers about fares; they are generally fixed. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. It is customary to ask about someone's health and family. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as Cachupa and fresh seafood. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Praia like a local, visit the Sucupira Market for a variety of local goods and fresh produce. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture. Attend local festivals and music events to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant Cabo Verdean culture. For a unique experience, take a leisurely stroll along Praia's Plateau district, known for its colonial architecture and bustling street life.