Monte Café: A Coffee Lover's Paradise in Sao Tome and Principe

• HelloMolá
  [moh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [nah-oo]
• 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-sehn-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?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehz]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [nah-oo 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/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [nah-oo koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuero pagar, por favor
  [keh-roh pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehn-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
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a olhar
  [ehs-toh soh ah oh-lahr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwan-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh bahy-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)Meia (10)
  [may-ah (dohs)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhey]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troo]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayz]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde está o/a...?
  [ohn-deh ehs-tah oh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh oh 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)?
  [kwan-doo eh oo proh-ksee-moh/ow-toh-kah-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lyeh-teh/pah-rah]

Monte Café, nestled in the heart of the lush island of São Tomé, was established in the mid-19th century as a coffee plantation. The area was chosen for its fertile volcanic soil, cool climate, and abundant rainfall, making it an ideal location for coffee cultivation. The plantation quickly became one of the island's most significant economic enterprises.

During the Portuguese colonial period, Monte Café thrived under the management of colonial administrators. The architecture of the plantation buildings reflects Portuguese styles, with large manor houses, processing facilities, and workers' quarters. These structures still stand today, offering a glimpse into the colonial past of São Tomé and Príncipe.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Monte Café was at the center of a coffee boom. The plantation exported large quantities of high-quality coffee to Europe, contributing significantly to the local economy. The boom period brought wealth and development to the region, but also highlighted the harsh realities of colonial labor practices.

After the peak of the coffee boom, Monte Café experienced a decline in production due to various factors, including soil depletion, competition from other coffee-producing regions, and political instability. By the mid-20th century, the plantation's output had significantly decreased, leading to economic challenges for the local community.

With the independence of São Tomé and Príncipe from Portugal in 1975, Monte Café entered a new era. The plantation was nationalized and efforts were made to revitalize coffee production. However, challenges persisted, and transformation was slow. Today, Monte Café is recognized not just for its agricultural significance, but also as a cultural and historical landmark.

In recent years, Monte Café has become a popular destination for tourists interested in the history and culture of São Tomé and Príncipe. The plantation offers guided tours, showcasing the coffee production process, the colonial architecture, and the natural beauty of the area. Cultural events and festivals also celebrate the rich heritage of Monte Café, making it a vibrant part of the island's tourism industry.

Monte Café is located in the central highlands of São Tomé Island. To reach São Tomé and Príncipe, you will typically fly into São Tomé International Airport (TMS) from Lisbon, Portugal, or via connecting flights from other African cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to drive to Monte Café, which is approximately an hour's drive from the capital city, São Tomé.

Transportation within Monte Café is limited. Most visitors find it convenient to rent a car to explore the area at their own pace. Local taxis are available but may need to be arranged in advance. For a more immersive experience, consider taking guided tours that include transportation. Walking is also an option for exploring the immediate vicinity.

The official currency in São Tomé and Príncipe is the Dobra (STN). While some hotels and restaurants in Monte Café may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, particularly for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in São Tomé city, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Monte Café.

Monte Café is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secured, especially in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Monte Café, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are located in the capital city, São Tomé. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in São Tomé city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or religious sites, dress modestly and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be courteous and respectful if using local taxis or shared transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'bom dia' (good morning) or 'boa tarde' (good afternoon). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Monte Café like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional São Toméan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the local coffee plantations and learning about the island's coffee heritage. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the surrounding rainforest to discover the region's rich biodiversity.