Praia Piscina: The Natural Poolside Paradise of São Tomé and Príncipe

• HelloOlá
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-ooz]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• 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/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-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo meh-noo/pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moo kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee 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 meh-dee-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 koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-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-rahss sow]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia
  [may-oo dee-ah eh may-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mahn-yah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mahn-yah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehss]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seeng-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sayss]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehss]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwal eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Podes mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-dehs moh-shtr-meh (noo mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwahn-doo eh oo proh-kssee-moh (ow-toh-kah-roo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ...)
  [oom bee-lyeh-tuh (pah-rah)]

São Tomé and Príncipe were discovered by Portuguese explorers João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar in 1471. The islands, including Praia Piscina, were uninhabited at the time and were soon claimed by Portugal. Praia Piscina, with its serene beauty, became a strategic point for the Portuguese during their explorations.

During the 16th century, São Tomé and Príncipe became a major producer of sugar, thanks to the fertile volcanic soil. Praia Piscina, with its lush landscape, was part of the burgeoning sugar industry. The plantations were worked by enslaved Africans brought by the Portuguese, leaving a significant cultural and historical imprint on the region.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands shifted from sugar to cocoa production, becoming the world's largest cocoa producer by 1908. Praia Piscina's surrounding areas played a role in this agricultural transformation. The remnants of old cocoa farms and colonial architecture can still be seen, offering a glimpse into this prosperous period.

The mid-20th century saw a rise in nationalist movements across Africa. São Tomé and Príncipe were no exception, with the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP) leading the charge. The islands gained independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975. Praia Piscina, like the rest of the country, celebrated this newfound freedom and began to forge its own identity.

In recent years, Praia Piscina has become a symbol of São Tomé and Príncipe's dedication to sustainable tourism and environmental preservation. The pristine beach and surrounding natural beauty attract ecotourists from around the world. Efforts have been made to maintain the ecological balance, ensuring that Praia Piscina remains a haven for both locals and visitors.

Praia Piscina in Sao Tome and Principe is accessible primarily via air travel. The main entry point is São Tomé International Airport (TMS), located on the island of São Tomé. From the airport, you can take a taxi or arrange for a private transfer to Praia Piscina. The journey by road from the airport to Praia Piscina typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Transportation options within Praia Piscina include taxis, car rentals, and local buses. Taxis are a convenient and relatively affordable means of getting around. Car rentals are available for those who prefer to explore the area at their own pace. Local buses, though less frequent, offer a budget-friendly alternative. For short distances, walking is also a viable option as the area is quite pedestrian-friendly.

The official currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available but may be limited in number, so withdrawing sufficient cash in advance is recommended. It’s also a good idea to have some Euros on hand, as they are widely accepted.

Praia Piscina is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Petty theft can occur, so always secure your valuables. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying in well-lit and frequented areas is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police and medical facilities are available in the area. It is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Keep a list of emergency contact numbers and the address of your accommodation handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake and smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Praia Piscina like a local, visit the local markets where you can find fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area’s history and culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful beaches and natural pools that the area is named after. For a unique experience, consider hiring a local guide to take you on a tour of the surrounding areas and hidden gems.