Neves: The Hidden Gem of Sao Tome and Principe

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [nah-oh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doh/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sehn-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Estou bem. E você?
  [ehs-toh-ooh behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehs]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [nah-oh ehn-tehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [gohs-tah-ee-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-ooh-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [gohs-tah-ee-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
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

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

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-oh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia
  [may-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
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehs]

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

Neves, a charming town on the island of São Tomé, was founded in the 16th century during the Portuguese colonial period. Initially established as a small settlement, Neves grew over the centuries due to its strategic coastal location, which facilitated trade and communication between the island and mainland Africa.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Neves became an important center for sugar plantations. The fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate made it ideal for sugarcane cultivation. Portuguese colonists established several plantations in the area, leading to the influx of enslaved Africans who were forced to work under harsh conditions. The remnants of this era, including old plantation houses and machinery, can still be seen around Neves today.

In the late 19th century, the decline of the sugar industry gave way to the rise of cocoa as the island's primary export. Neves played a key role in this transformation. The town's port became a bustling hub for the export of cocoa beans, which were highly sought after in Europe. The economic boom brought prosperity to Neves and left a lasting impact on its cultural landscape.

Neves boasts a wealth of colonial-era architecture, reflecting its historical importance. Many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries remain intact, showcasing Portuguese architectural styles. Notable structures include the Church of São João Batista and various plantation houses, which provide a glimpse into the town's colonial past.

São Tomé and Príncipe gained independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975. Neves, like the rest of the country, experienced significant changes in the post-independence era. The transition to independence brought challenges, but also opportunities for development. Today, Neves is a blend of historical heritage and modern growth, with efforts to preserve its unique cultural and architectural identity while promoting tourism and local industries.

Neves is known for its vibrant cultural traditions and festivals. The town celebrates numerous local and national holidays with music, dance, and traditional ceremonies. One of the most notable events is the Festa de São João, held annually in June, which features processions, feasting, and various cultural performances. These celebrations reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Neves and its inhabitants.

Neves is located on the northwestern coast of São Tomé Island. The main gateway to São Tomé and Príncipe is São Tomé International Airport (TMS), located near the capital city, São Tomé. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange a car rental to reach Neves, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. The journey by road typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour. There are also local buses and minibuses (known as 'hiaces') that operate between São Tomé and Neves, though they may be less comfortable and reliable.

In Neves, transportation options include taxis, local buses, and minibuses (hiaces). Taxis are the most convenient and flexible option for getting around, and they can be hired for short trips or for the entire day. Public buses and hiaces are more affordable but may have irregular schedules. Walking is also a viable option for exploring the town, as many attractions are within a reasonable distance from each other. Car rentals are available in São Tomé for those who prefer to drive.

The official currency in São Tomé and Príncipe is the Dobra (STN). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments. ATMs are available in São Tomé, but they may be scarce in Neves, so it's advisable to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Neves. It's also recommended to carry smaller denominations for easier transactions.

Neves is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Neves doesn't have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you encounter any issues, contact the local police or your hotel for assistance.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Neves. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The main hospital is located in the capital, São Tomé, so for serious medical emergencies, you may need to travel there.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Be mindful of religious practices and dress appropriately when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite. Offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. A friendly greeting in Portuguese, such as 'Bom dia' (Good morning), is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Neves like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the nearby coffee plantations and learning about the local coffee production process. For a unique experience, take a boat trip along the coast to explore hidden beaches and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.