Ribeira Afonso: A Hidden Gem in Sao Tome and Principe

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

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr oo kahr-dah-pee-oo/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [nah-oo 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/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah 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...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [ehs-toh soh oh-lhahn-doo]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-too koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-too kahr-oo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh by-shahr oo 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)Meio-dia e meia
  [meh-oh-dee-ah eh may-ah]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zhey]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-eesh]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehz]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh meh moh-strahr/noh mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doo eh oo proh-kshee-moo/ohn-ee-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-teh/pah-rah]

Ribeira Afonso, a quaint village in the district of Cantagalo on São Tomé Island, was established during the early periods of Portuguese colonization in the 16th century. The fertile lands and strategic location along the river made it an attractive settlement for agricultural development, particularly for sugarcane plantations.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Ribeira Afonso became one of the key agricultural hubs in São Tomé, primarily producing sugarcane and later cocoa. The village's plantations contributed significantly to the island's economy, utilizing both enslaved African labor and later, indentured labor from Cape Verde and Angola.

The Catholic Church played a vital role in the cultural and social development of Ribeira Afonso. The establishment of missions and churches in the village helped in spreading Christianity and European cultural values among the local population. The Church also provided education and healthcare services, which were essential for the community’s development.

The harsh conditions and exploitation faced by laborers on the plantations led to several uprisings and acts of resistance throughout the 19th century. Notably, the 1953 Batepá Massacre was a significant event where forced labor and colonial oppression led to widespread violence and loss of life in the region, impacting Ribeira Afonso and surrounding areas.

Following São Tomé and Príncipe's independence from Portugal in 1975, Ribeira Afonso saw various changes in its socio-economic structure. The nationalization of plantations and a shift towards cooperative farming aimed to improve local livelihoods. Efforts have been made to preserve the cultural heritage and historical significance of the village while promoting sustainable development.

Ribeira Afonso is rich in cultural traditions, with local festivals and celebrations playing a crucial role in community life. The 'Auto de Floripes,' a traditional theatrical performance with roots in Portuguese culture, is a highlight, reflecting the village's historical ties and cultural fusion. Additionally, local music, dance, and culinary traditions offer a vibrant glimpse into the area's diverse heritage.

Ribeira Afonso is located on the island of São Tomé, part of São Tomé and Príncipe. To reach Ribeira Afonso, you will first need to fly into São Tomé International Airport (TMS). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to travel to Ribeira Afonso, which is approximately a 30-minute drive southeast of the capital city, São Tomé.

Within Ribeira Afonso, transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and local buses. Taxis are the most convenient but can be pricey for longer trips. Local buses are an economical choice but may not adhere to strict schedules. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a viable option. Bicycles are also available for rent and can be a fun way to explore the local area.

The official currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger establishments, but cash is preferred in smaller shops and local markets. ATMs are available, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas.

Ribeira Afonso is generally a safe destination, but standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in the nearby town of São Tomé. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, offering over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos in religious settings. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Bom dia' (Good day) is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ribeira Afonso like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with the locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, including nearby waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. Make sure to try local dishes like 'Calulu' and 'Blablabla,' which are local culinary delights.