The Enchanting Capital of São Tomé City

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oos]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [poor fah-vohr]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doh]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença
  [kohm lee-sen-sah]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behm. eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehz]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doh]

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

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zoo-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-koh]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doh-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-toh koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwee-toh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh by-shahr o preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sow]
• 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-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 está o/a...?
  [ohn-deh ehs-tah oo/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh moh-strahr-meh (noh 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 beel-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Sao Tome City was founded in 1485 by Portuguese explorers João de Santarém and Pêro Escobar. The island of São Tomé was discovered on December 21, 1471, the feast day of Saint Thomas, which is how the city and island got their names. The location was chosen for its strategic position along the equator and its potential for sugar cane plantations.

During the 16th century, Sao Tome became a significant hub for sugar cane production, driven by the labor of enslaved Africans. The island's fertile volcanic soil proved ideal for sugar cane, and plantations flourished. This period marked an economic boom for the city, making it one of the wealthiest regions in the Portuguese Empire.

Sao Tome City played a pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island to work on the plantations, and many were also shipped to other Portuguese colonies. This dark period in the city's history left a lasting impact on its demographic and cultural landscape.

In the 19th century, the decline of the sugar industry led to the rise of coffee and cocoa production. Sao Tome became one of the world's largest producers of cocoa, earning it the nickname 'Chocolate Island.' This shift brought renewed prosperity to the city and attracted European settlers and investors.

The mid-20th century was marked by the struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule. Inspired by other African nations, the people of Sao Tome and Principe sought self-governance. The Movimento de Libertação de São Tomé e Príncipe (MLSTP) was formed, leading to eventual independence on July 12, 1975.

Following independence, Sao Tome City faced numerous challenges, including political instability, economic hardships, and social changes. The city underwent various political transformations, striving to establish a stable government and improve living conditions for its residents.

In recent years, Sao Tome City has experienced a cultural renaissance. Efforts to preserve and promote the island's rich cultural heritage have led to a resurgence in traditional music, dance, and art. Festivals and cultural events celebrate the city's diverse history and vibrant community.

Today, Sao Tome City is a blend of historical charm and modern development. The city has seen improvements in infrastructure, tourism, and education. Efforts to promote sustainable tourism have highlighted Sao Tome's unique natural beauty and historical significance, attracting visitors from around the world.

Sao Tome City is accessible mainly by air. The primary entry point is the Sao Tome International Airport (TMS), which receives flights from various international destinations, including Lisbon, Accra, and Luanda. From the airport, the city center is just a short drive away, and taxis are readily available for transport.

In Sao Tome City, transportation options include taxis, which are the most convenient mode of travel for tourists. Public minibuses, called 'Hiaces,' are also available and are a cost-effective way to get around, though they can be crowded. Renting a car is another option for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Walking is feasible within the city center where many attractions are located.

The official currency is the Sao Tome and Principe Dobra (STN). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still king, especially in smaller establishments. ATMs are available in the city, but it is advisable to carry enough cash for daily expenses. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in some banks.

Sao Tome City is generally safe, but it is important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious in crowded places where pickpocketing can occur. Areas near the port and certain neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city have higher crime rates, so it's best to stay vigilant. Always secure your belongings and avoid displaying wealth.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The city has a hospital and several clinics for medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues. For police assistance, you can visit the local police station in the city center.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; for example, always ask for permission before taking photos inside churches. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite when using public transport. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. It's polite to greet everyone when entering a room. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations to eat with locals. Don't refuse food or drink as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Sao Tome City like a local, visit the local markets like Mercado Municipal to buy fresh produce and traditional crafts. Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade in the evenings, where locals gather to relax. Engage with local fishermen at the port, who are often willing to share stories and insights about their daily lives. Don't miss out on trying local dishes such as 'calulu' and 'grilled fish' at local eateries.