The Tranquil Shores of Praia Inhame

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [nah-oo]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado/Obrigada
  [oh-bree-gah-doo/oh-bree-gah-dah]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moo ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Estou bem. E você?
  [ehs-toh beng. eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo nah-oo ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [gohs-tah-ree-ah deh veh ooh meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo nah-oo koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [gohs-tah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• 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-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-toh 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-toh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Consegue baixar o preço?
  [kohn-seh-gweh bahy-shahr oo preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-oo]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh ooh-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia hora (10)
  [meh-yah oh-rah (dee-ehs)]
• 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
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehs]

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

Praia Inhame, like much of São Tomé and Príncipe, experienced significant change in the late 15th century when Portuguese explorers arrived. The islands were discovered by João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar around 1470. The Portuguese established sugar plantations, utilizing the fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate, which eventually led to the importation of African slaves to work on these plantations.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Praia Inhame, as part of São Tomé and Príncipe, became a critical point in the transatlantic slave trade. The region's strategic location made it a pivotal stopover for ships transporting enslaved Africans to the Americas. This dark period left an indelible mark on the cultural and social fabric of the island.

In the 19th century, the focus shifted to cocoa and coffee plantations as the primary economic drivers. The Portuguese colonial administration promoted these crops, making São Tomé and Príncipe one of the world's leading cocoa producers by the early 20th century. Praia Inhame, with its lush environment, was part of this agricultural boom, contributing significantly to the island’s economy.

The mid-20th century witnessed the rise of independence movements across Africa, and São Tomé and Príncipe were no exception. The Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) spearheaded the struggle against Portuguese colonial rule. In 1975, the islands gained independence, marking a new era for Praia Inhame and its residents.

In recent decades, Praia Inhame has embraced its natural beauty and biodiversity as a cornerstone for sustainable development. Efforts to promote ecotourism have led to the establishment of eco-lodges and conservation projects aimed at protecting the local environment. This shift has allowed Praia Inhame to become a destination known for its pristine beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Praia Inhame is located on the southern tip of São Tomé Island, part of the São Tomé and Príncipe archipelago. The primary gateway to the country is São Tomé International Airport (TMS), located near the capital city of São Tomé. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to your accommodation in Praia Inhame. The journey by car takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a distance of about 70 kilometers. Alternatively, some hotels may offer shuttle services.

Transportation options in Praia Inhame and the surrounding areas include taxis, rental cars, and local minibuses known as 'hiaces'. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive for longer trips. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace, but be aware that road conditions can vary. Local minibuses are a cost-effective option but may be less comfortable and follow less predictable schedules. Walking and bicycling are also viable options for short distances.

The official currency of São Tomé and Príncipe is the Dobra (STN). While some hotels and larger establishments may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses and remote areas. ATMs are available in the capital city of São Tomé, but not in Praia Inhame, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to the southern part of the island. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in major towns.

Praia Inhame is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should always be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While São Tomé and Príncipe have relatively low crime rates, it is always best to stay vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas in Praia Inhame, but being cautious is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are located in the town of São João dos Angolares, approximately 30 kilometers from Praia Inhame. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in São João dos Angolares. Always carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting local communities. Lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Avoid public displays of affection in religious areas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient when using local minibuses. Don’t expect fixed schedules. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bom dia' (Good morning) or 'Boa tarde' (Good afternoon). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Praia Inhame like a local, visit the nearby fishing villages where you can observe traditional fishing practices and buy fresh seafood. Engage with local residents, who are often friendly and welcoming. Don’t miss out on trying local dishes such as 'calulu', a traditional stew, and 'grilled fish with breadfruit'. For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the surrounding rainforest to learn about the local flora and fauna. Beachcombing and snorkeling are also popular activities.