Bissau: The Hidden Gem of West Africa

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [nah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sehn-sah/deh-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E tu?
  [behn/eh too]
• Do you speak English?Falas inglês?
  [fah-lahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [nah-oh ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oh meh-noo/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [nah-oh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-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-te embora!
  [vah-ee-teh 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 mehd-ee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doo]
• 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 koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwee-toh kahr-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bahy-shahr oo preh-soo]

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

• Where's a/the...?Onde está um/o...
  [oh-ndeh ehs-tah oom/oo]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Podes mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-des moh-strahr-meh/noo mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwahn-doo eh oo proh-ssee-moh/ow-toh-kah-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom beel-yeh-teh/pah-rah]

Bissau was officially founded in 1687 by Portuguese settlers as a fortified port and trading center. Its strategic location on the Geba River made it an important hub for commerce, particularly in the slave trade during the colonial era.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Bissau witnessed numerous conflicts and power struggles as the Portuguese sought to consolidate their control over the region. The city became a focal point in the resistance against colonial rule, with various local groups staging uprisings.

In 1941, Bissau was designated the capital of Portuguese Guinea, replacing Bolama. This move signified the city's growing importance as the administrative and economic center of the colony.

The struggle for independence from Portuguese rule culminated in the Guinea-Bissau War of Independence (1963-1974). Bissau played a key role as both a battleground and a symbol of resistance. The PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde) led the fight, which eventually resulted in independence in 1974.

Following independence, Bissau became the capital of the new nation of Guinea-Bissau. The city faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and infrastructure development issues. Despite these challenges, Bissau remained the heart of the nation's political and cultural life.

Today, Bissau is a vibrant city blending its rich historical legacy with contemporary culture. Landmarks like the Fortaleza d'Amura, the Presidential Palace, and the Pidjiguiti Memorial reflect its storied past, while bustling markets and lively festivals showcase the dynamic spirit of its inhabitants.

Bissau, the capital of Guinea-Bissau, is accessible primarily by air. Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) is the main gateway, with flights connecting from Lisbon, Dakar, and other regional hubs. There are currently no direct flights from North America or Asia, so travelers may need to transit through Europe or other African countries. Alternatively, travelers can enter via land from Senegal or Guinea, but road conditions can be challenging and border crossings may be time-consuming.

In Bissau, taxis are the most common mode of transportation. They are relatively inexpensive, but it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey as meters are rarely used. Minibuses, known locally as 'toca-tocas', are another option for getting around the city. Car rentals are available but can be costly and driving conditions may be difficult for those unfamiliar with local roads. Walking is feasible in central areas, but caution is advised.

The official currency of Guinea-Bissau is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Major hotels and some restaurants in Bissau accept credit cards, but cash is preferred in most places. ATMs are available, but they may not always be reliable or accept international cards. It is recommended to carry sufficient cash and to exchange money at reputable exchange offices or banks.

Bissau is generally safe for tourists, but certain precautions should be taken. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur, particularly in crowded areas and markets. Neighborhoods like Missira and Bandim have higher crime rates, and it is best to avoid these areas, especially at night. Always stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secured.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police assistance. Medical emergencies can be directed to the local hospital, Simão Mendes National Hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical evacuations, as local medical facilities may lack advanced care. For minor health issues, pharmacies in Bissau can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, as Bissau is a conservative city. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and religious practices. When visiting mosques, dress modestly and remove your shoes. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers. Don't expect punctuality, as public transport schedules can be unpredictable. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Bissau like a local, visit the Bandim Market, the largest open-air market in the city, where you can buy everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts. Engage with locals, as they are generally friendly and open to conversations about their culture. Don't miss the Fortaleza d'Amura, a historical fort that offers insight into the country's colonial past. For a unique experience, take a stroll along the Porto Pidjiguiti, the bustling port area that provides a glimpse into daily life in Bissau.