Sundy Plantation: A Journey Through Time in Sao Tome and Principe

• HelloOlá
  [oh-LAH]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-DAY-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-VOHR/day NAH-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-GAH-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-SEN-sah/dehs-KOOL-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [KOH-moh ehs-TAH]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh vohs-ay]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [FAH-lah een-GLEHS]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now een-TEN-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [gohs-TAH-ree-ah deh vehr ooh kahr-DAH-pee-oh/por fah-VOHR]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now KOH-moh KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-OOH-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [gohs-TAH-ree-ah deh pah-GAHR/por fah-VOHR]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-KOH-roh]
• 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 doh-EHN-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [gohs-TAH-ree-ah deh kohm-PRAR]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [ehs-TOH soh oh-LYAHN-doo]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [KWAHN-too KOOSH-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [EE-soh eh MWEEN-too KAH-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [POH-deh BAHY-shahr ooh PREH-soo]

• 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)Meia hora (10)
  [MEH-ee-ah OH-rah (DEHZ)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-NYAH]
• AfternoonTarde
  [TAHR-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [NOY-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ON-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [OH-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-NYAH]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doysh]
• 3Três
  [trehsh]
• 4Quatro
  [KWAH-troo]
• 5Cinco
  [SEENG-koo]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [SEH-teh]
• 8Oito
  [OY-too]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehsh]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ON-deh FEE-kah oh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh oh ehn-DEH-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [POH-deh meh mohs-TRAHR/noh MAH-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [KWAHN-doo eh oh PRO-kshee-moo/oh-NEE-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-LYEH-teh/PAH-rah]

Established in the late 19th century, Sundy Plantation was one of the key agricultural enterprises on the island of Principe. Portuguese colonialists founded the plantation to capitalize on the fertile volcanic soil, ideal for growing cocoa. The plantation quickly became a significant economic engine for the region, contributing to the island's prominence in the global cocoa trade.

Like many plantations in the colonial era, Sundy Plantation relied heavily on enslaved labor. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island to work in the harsh conditions of the plantation, enduring grueling work and inhumane treatment. This period is a somber chapter in the history of Sundy Plantation, reflecting the broader context of slavery in the Portuguese colonies.

Sundy Plantation gained international fame in 1919 when it became the site of a significant scientific event. British astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington conducted an experiment during a solar eclipse to test Albert Einstein's Theory of General Relativity. The successful observation of the deflection of starlight by the sun's gravity provided crucial evidence supporting Einstein's theory, making Sundy Plantation an important landmark in the history of science.

Following São Tomé and Príncipe's independence from Portugal in 1975, Sundy Plantation underwent significant changes. The plantation was nationalized, and efforts were made to transform it into a more equitable agricultural operation. The nationalization aimed to improve the working conditions and livelihoods of the local population, moving away from the exploitative practices of the colonial period.

Today, Sundy Plantation is a vital part of São Tomé and Príncipe's cultural heritage and a growing tourist attraction. The plantation's historic buildings have been preserved, and guided tours offer insights into the island's colonial past, agricultural history, and the groundbreaking scientific experiment of 1919. The plantation also promotes sustainable tourism, emphasizing the importance of preserving both the natural environment and the cultural legacy of the region.

Sundy Plantation is located on Principe Island, part of Sao Tome and Principe. The nearest major airport is São Tomé International Airport (TMS) on the main island of São Tomé. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Principe Island, which typically takes about 35 minutes. Once on Principe Island, Sundy Plantation is easily accessible via a short car ride from the airport.

Transportation on Principe Island is limited but manageable. The most common mode of transportation is taxi, which can be arranged through your accommodation or at the airport. Some visitors prefer to rent a car or a scooter for more flexibility. Bicycles are also available for hire, providing a more eco-friendly way to explore the island. Note that public transportation is not widely available, so plan accordingly.

The official currency of Sao Tome and Principe is the Dobra (STN). While credit cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants, it's advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting more remote areas like Sundy Plantation. ATMs are available in the capital, São Tomé, but may be scarce on Principe Island. It's wise to exchange money before heading to Principe or ensure you have enough cash for your stay.

Principe Island is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it's always prudent to take standard precautions such as not leaving valuables unattended and avoiding isolated areas at night. The local community is friendly and welcoming, but it's advisable to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but petty theft can occur.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local hospital on Principe Island can handle minor medical issues, but for serious conditions, evacuation to the main island or another country may be necessary. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available, but they may have limited supplies, so bring any necessary medications with you.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting local villages or religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be courteous and patient, as transportation options are limited. Don't expect punctuality, as schedules can be flexible. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bom Dia' (Good Morning). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Sundy Plantation like a local, take the time to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Engage with the local community, who are often eager to share their knowledge and stories about the island's history and culture. Visit the local markets to buy fresh produce and traditional crafts. Don't miss out on guided tours of the plantation to learn about its historical significance and current conservation efforts. For a unique experience, consider taking a boat trip to explore the island's coastline and marine life.