I like to take inspiration from my journeys! This one was a truly musical and artistic experience as well as a #leisure.
Before we dig into the artistic part of Cape Verde, first let me help you picture the place... Imagine a strong bright sunlight warming you up... but just enough to give a #chocolate colour to your skin. Dry wind to help you cool down at the same time. Predominantly blue landscapes... sky and ocean merging together. Perfect beaches, fishermen, boats and a big variety of water sports. Wanna know more about it? Just keep reading. #fun
Photo made at Pedra Lume Salt Crater
We stayed in Santa Maria which is a very small town in the South of Sal Island. A day trip around the island brought us to the Pedra Lume Salt Crater where apparently the water in the pools makes your skin 10 years younger... I'm #notkidding! And then to the desert where we experienced "mirage"... literally. Look at the picture below! No wonder why the bar is called this way. Not just because it was in the desert where you could see illusions and miracles happening but everything else there was a real piece of wonder... the paintings made by a local man were so fascinating that I advice him to publish them on internet but unfortunately the network restrictions don't allow it (basically, go there and see it). I have to admit that I've never tried liquors in some of the flavours they had and trust me I am a big liquor #lover. All souvenirs are handmade as well, plus you can see how they make them. #pureheaven
Photo made at Atelier Bar Mirage
Talking about music, Cape Verdean people love music so much that even their airport is named by a very beloved local singer. The islands are well known for their unique music and dance genres as #Morna, #Funana, the sensual #Coladeira and the #Batuque dance. However, people there haven't limited themselves just in traditional music. They have jazz, latino, reggae bands and even rock. Most bars are organising Jam Sessions and Open Mics once a week. There you can show your talent and spend some great time with locals and other tourists. #capeverdianmusic
This musical instrument from the picture above is called a "Kora", also known as the Mandinka Harp. It has 21 strings and it's extensively used in West Africa. We managed to film a short video of a man playing kora on the streets of Santa Maria. Press Play! #kora #africanharp
We also managed to go for sailing. We saw some dolphins and sea turtles! #dreamcometrue
My friend Lora turned out to be not just a great pianist but has a true talent for sailing as well.
Photo made on a Sailing Trip in the Atlantic Ocean
Cape Verde is a Portuguese colony which automatically brings a lot of other influences to the islands. One of them is "capoeira", an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance. I filmed the next video from the fence of a local school whilst the children were practising with their teacher. I was wondering how none of them seemed embarrassed or anxious from the massive audience of tourists watching and filming them. I was lucky enough to know more about capoeira from my own experience so I could help the ones who didn't know anything about it. #justbeinghelpful
And for last, Cape Verde is worth visiting, especially whilst is not too crowded with tourists. The fresh food involving Atlantic ocean fish and locally grown fruits and vegetables are a true pleasure to enjoy, especially when they are accompanied by the great live musicians and picturesque landscapes. Would you like to visit Cape Verde? Is there anything else that you'd like to know about it? I'm looking forward to reading your #comments!
P.S.: Let me know what you think about my post. Have you got any suggestions? What would you like me to write about next? I love reading your comments. ^_^ Thank you!!
Much Love!
Floralyn
XoX
