The Cape Verde Islands are unique and interesting. As they are relatively close to the coast of mainland Africa, the islands have been very much influenced by African people and cultures. But they were settled by Portuguese and Spanish explorers, and there are still many aspects of the southern European influence.
We all first visited the colorful small market in the old part of the city of Praia. We also walked to the monument of Diogo Gomes, the Portuguese explorer and father of the islands. Then we had an option to go inland to the picturesque hills and rugged mountains to see some of the countryside. Or we could go to the old Portuguese fort of Fortaleza Real de Sao Filipe and the old original city of Ribeira Grande or Cidade Velha. The fort sits on the edge of the beautiful coastline and the very beautiful small ravine named Riberia Grande.
