November 12, 2024

Day 2 in the Cape Verde Islands - Sao Vicente Island - Port of Mindelo

I strolled into port with Karen and Cyndi to check out the city of Mindelo. It was an easy walk along the Marina into the market area. We first saw all the local fisherman bringing in their catches and the vendors carving up the fillets and setting out all their fruits and vegetables. Then we started looking and bargaining for a dress for me and souvenir magnets for the 3 of us. I got the dress price down from 25 Euros/piece, to 2 for 20 Euros. I kept one and another friend of the ship, took the other, 10 euro was a good deal! It was very hot and windy and we planned to go to the local beach after seeing a couple more sights. Other residents were leaving the beach already because it was so windy, and the sand blowing was brutal. So, we negotiated for a cab to take us to a few sights, then back to port.

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Unlike Santiago island, the houses and business are completely finished on all façades and they are painted beautiful colors. I borrowed these images below from fellow resident Basia's blog, as her photos captured the beauty way better than mine. Love it!!

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KOH SAMUI - SIGHT SEEING Part 2

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
We covered a lot of the Island on this tour. Spot #3 was a scenic overlook of the coastline looking out at some of their pristine beaches and #4 was further along the coastline, at a rock outcropping known for it's phallic formations.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - SIGHT SEEING

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
Sherrie, Sarah, Bob and I took a 1/2 day tour of Island to take in the major cultural spots. They picked us up at the Hotel and we had 7 stops.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
Thailand! For the longest time I have associated it with the land of yummy Pad Thai and Chicken Satay with peanut sauce ! Now, I can add a nation who embrace color - their Temples & Shrines that dot the landscape are stunning. They are influenced and have welcomed many traditions from China and India along with their own SE Asia native culture. Buddhism is practiced by over 90% of the country. Social Harmony around respect, self control and consideration of others feeling is their mantra. All we met were so pleasant and truly thankful for any kindness you extend to them.