Morabeza

4 comments

1. Serdar Serdarling 25/05/2026

   I have difficult time in Mindelo. ı was kept stopped by different and even same guys begging money, trying to sell something etc. One man followed me whole cross the city!
   Even, another man told me he is a local tourist guide, and very well know the relatives of the Cesaria Evora, although I told him I walked long way from central to the cemetery ( of C. Evora ) after the museum of her, and now walking back towards the Port/ Praia de Laginha, he forcely convinced me to walk back to her relatives house but no one at home! and again I told him I had no money left at all, he begged me so much, and ı had to give half of my money which I left for my last dinner and taxi to airport that night

   At the end I was tired of all these...
   Nevertheless, I lıked Mindelo and been in the city where Cesaria Evora used to live. Which was actually a honour for me! I would love to visit again, for sure. But flights are always expensive ! And it is unfortunate that its difficult to travel between the islands by boats/ferries (apparently not reliable and very long trips) But flights are also not easy and often enough)

   However, I must note that ı had no same issue in Sal and Boa Vista (stayed in hostels/budget hotels in central area or behind such as B&B at Salinas area )
   in Boa Vista where I was walking by the streets behind the central/cost line of Sal Rei city local people were nicely saying ola or kind of warm hi by their heads . I joined the Island tour where they also took us to the favela of the island where most poor people live, locals were kind, not bothering and cool, I felt safe and "morbeza" <3
   I was in the Port Office for sending Post Cards to my Loved Ones, ladies working there were very helpful and and friendly, also. And people around there were making me safe and welcomed

   When answer their question of "Where from" I always got nice reactions that I am Turkish from Türkiye. The knew about Türkiye and founded it interestingly nice that someone from Türkiye visiting their islands, and already knowing Cesaria Evora in Türkey. <3

   I love Cabo Verde, and I wish I can go again, and meet locals more, taste the local food more and enjoy the local and Evora's music more !!
   Sending my Love <3

2. Helen Vicente 26/01/2023

   Unfortunately this is not accurate, whilst in the resorts the staff are the nicest, kindest most cheerful people you'd hope to meet with. I wanted to spend some money in the local community so independently visited Sal Rei and the East of the island where we were constantly hassled. Either, people shouted to us to buy something, walked around with us or taxi drivers called out over and over again. It wasn't "No Stress"...I just wanted to be left alone. Also, I'm used to knowing the price of something before I buy it, but from a restaurant in the east to the Sal Rei municipal market people would not tell us the price until we felt compromised to buy. This has been the only aspect of my holiday on Cape Verde I have not enjoyed.

   1. CapeVerdeIslands.org Editor 27/01/2023

      Hello Helen,

      Thank you for sharing your experience. On tourstic islands like Sal you have many people from the African mainland trying to make some money on the Cape Verde Islands. Most of them are Senegalese street vendors and are quite persistent in wanting to sell something. In the Cape Verdean culture this is not acceptated. So these are not locals.

      Best regards,
      Team CapeVerdeIslands.org

   2. mickael 14/11/2024

      Helen these street vendors are not cape verdeans they are most of the time Senegalese illegal migrants who sell their "African souvenirs" made in Senegal. These are the same Senegalese illegals who harass tourists in Paris, Barcelona or Rome. I had a very bad experience at Eiffel tower and Montmartre...these Senegalese were everywhere and trying to scam every tourist.