Praia, Santiago

I love islands and traveling to weird destinations that take you out of your comfort zone, so naturally Cabo Verde, West Africa popped up. I wanted to live like a local and experience the culture, and that is exactly what I got. Welcome to Praia, Santiago, the capital of Cabo Verde. The culture hits you right when you get on the plane, everyone is so friendly and knows one another. We took the red eye, but that did not stop the party on board. There was free wine and a pretty solid meal. If you're lucky, the nice guy sitting next to you will poke you to let you know when the food has arrived.

We stayed at the Pestana Trópico, arriving just in time for a delicious, all inclusive breakfast.

I could barely wait to start exploring--our first stop, the Plateau. It’s as high up as it sounds. We hiked up a very long, steep set of stairs onto a street filled with locals and markets galore. We were in for quite an experience. Bright colors lined the street and everyone seemed to be out and about, relaxed on island time.

The market at the plateau had fruit, vegetables and fish. Navigating through the small aisles was both challenging and exciting. The colors were vibrant, the air was filled with aromas of fish and produce, and everyone was eager to help you. We did not speak portuguese, so communicating was mostly nonverbal.

The view from the Plateau was quite spectacular. It looked like differently shaped, colorful legos, that went on for miles.

My favorite place on the Plateau was Art Kafe. I was drawn in by the art, people and music. Local artists sold their work and live bands played weekly. I came here three times during my stay and soaked up the good vibes.

Day 2: We attempted to rent a car and drive around the island--that mission failed very quickly. We got to the center of Praia and could not figure out where we were. We had a compass, a map, and we were at a loss. I know they say not all who wander are lost, but we certainly were. There were no signs, too many rotaries, and no house numbers, at all. We were in the suburbs and had NO IDEA which way to go. I was afraid we may run out of gas, so we stopped being stubborn and found our way back to return the car. This time, better safe than sorry.

After a long day and only filling up on breakfast from the hotel, we stopped at the Restaurant O Poeta to grab some cheese and bread, lots of bread. Wine and beer is also very cheap in Cabo Verde--about three escudos a glass. I ordered two!

SAL

A mini vacation, from our vacation. We took a domestic flight to Santa Maria, Sal, for the weekend to celebrate our Two Year Anniversary. When we got there, our reserved "hotel" was under construction.

We got SO lucky and found the Melia, an all inclusive resort, for only $180 a night. I have never stayed anywhere so fancy. I almost felt guilty it was so nice. There was a swim up bar, wine on tap, and an endless supply of food.

The room, or should I say Villa, was completely opposite from Praia. It was a two bedroom, two bath villa with a balcony! It was a nice balance to have both on our vacation. I have never stayed in an all inclusive resort before and never thought I could afford it, but $180 a night for all meals included is an absolute steal.

The villa was a short walk to the gorgeous beach. Black volcanic and hard rock sand filled the shoreline. It was unlike any beach I've ever been to.

Oh and there are sharks at Shark Bay. I was convinced I spotted one, but it turned out to be a scuba diver! Bummer.

Takeaways

If you want an inclusive resort, go to SAL. If you want culture, go to SANTIAGO. If you want both--travel to both islands.

SANTIAGO

Santiago was packed with CULTURE and pushed me out of my comfort zone (in a good way)
The plateau is lined with local shops and restaurants--there are no US chains
Fish and produce markets are a must see
You will enjoy fresh fish, cheese and inexpensive wine (much like the Azores)
Renting a car is very hard--there are no signs, the houses are not numbered, it is near impossible unless you know where you're going
It is not too safe to walk around at night
Locals exercise before sunrise/after sunset to avoid the heat
There are many stray dogs--they may chase you, you may have to run

SAL

We took a propellor plane--only 25 min flight
All inclusive resort-Mostly a European travel destination
No cultural at all--you do not leave the resort
The beaches are beautiful--lined with black volcanic sand
Wine is on tap, everywhere you look. I did not stop drinking or eating. Good thing we were only there for the weekend

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

Lagoa das Sete Cidades—are two lakes situated in a massive volcanic crater--you have to experience for yourself to truly understand the beauty. In the meantime, these pictures will have to hold you over. The Azores are only a five hour flight from Boston and with the four hour time difference, you get to wake up in a magical place. We stayed in Ponta Delgada - walking distance to the water, shops, and restaurants. The hotel included breakfast—a whole lot of it. I had fruit, cheese, yogurt, juice, cereal and was satisfied for the day. I was also able to save money because I was too full for lunch.

Hotel do Colegio made you feel like you were in an ancient castle with the floors and walls lined with back lava stones.

This was the rent a car—perfectly sized for the narrow roads, windy mountains and avoiding cows.

The first stop was Villa Franca de Campo to see Ilheu Vila Franca Campo, a crater island only a stones through away from land. If you're wondering why there is a random dog in the picture, I am too.

Sete Cidades was the next stop. Look at that view!

After Sete Cidades, you can drive down into the small village and have a bite to eat. We stopped at a little cafe in the " Centro" of town to grab some cheese and flan—it only costs a few euros.

Next stop, Furnas. They serve cozida, food cooked from the earth for over seven hours. Restaurant Tony's is a must try if you are feeling adventurous.

There are around 22 mineral waters you can try from the earth that are very—well, earthy. As you walk through town, you are surrounded by steam and the smell of sulfur. The sulfur turns the rocks into this green/orange color, but the water below was perfectly safe to drink.

The COOLEST part of Furnas was the hot springs. Nestled in the Terra Nostra Garden was what appeared to be a scene from Jurassic Park. The giant tropical ferns and lush trees made you feel like you were in prehistoric times.

The geothermic pool was so warm and the bottom was VERY slimy from the sulfur sticking to the leaves and moss. The water was a burnt orange color and was so thick and salty—you could barely float or swim. It was more like walking in slow motion. Our skin also turned this funky yellow color and our bathing suits looked like we peed in them.

Off to Mosterios. The "centro" of town was just one cafe and a lot of men smoking cigarettes. The coast was by far the highlight. Turquoise waves crashed onto shore and created a ripple effect of colors and sounds.

Can't you just stare off into the ocean for hours? It was so peaceful and limitless. Although it was worth it, the walk down to the lighthouse was not as peaceful as the view - my calves were BURNING. There is a sign to not drive your car because it is too steep...there should also be a sign about not walking.

Just a normal day in the Azores--cows causing traffic delays.

Capelas—YIKES. This cliffside "road" barely fit the smart car. A SMART CAR. It could not have been more than six feet wide.

One last stop of the day—pineapples! The Azores are known for their sweet pineapples. We visited Faja de Baixo—the pineapple plantation. They let you tour the greenhouses for free. It is interesting to see the different stages of growth and try some of the pineapple liquor.

On our way to Nordeste, we stopped at Lagoa do Fogo, the crater lake with an amazing view. This "restricted" industrial road descended on both sides and had my hands shaking and my ears popping. I honestly thought the smart car was going to blow over. As you can see, we were nearly at the same level as the clouds.

We were able to find someone to take this gorgeous picture. The background looks perfect—I swear we weren't photoshopped in!

We made it to Nordeste—the farthest eastern point on the island. There is a beautiful cobble stone bridge that leads into the Centro of town.

There are just amazing views everywhere you look.

Another free tour. This time, all liquor. You could try any of the flavors they made—passionfruit, banana, and of course, pineapple. It is amazing how all these tours are free here. In Boston, it costs you an arm and a leg to go to the MFA.

Another amazing view. Is it me, or is there a cave looking tunnel on the lower right hand of the cliff?

Back at the pier in Ponta Delgada. The island had ample signs and was fairly simple to navigate around.

Takeaways from the Azores:

This is not a "relaxing beach" trip. The water is very rough. BUT if you like anything below, I definitely recommend visiting the AZORES.

AMAZING panoramic views of the oceans and lakes
Scenery is UNREAL...mountains, cliffs, farms, cows, lava rocks, lush vegetation, craters, sulfur
Food-fresh cheese, octopus, wine, flan, chocolate milk
Free tours of the tea, liquor, and pineapple plantation
Mineral water tastings
Geothermic pools
Small local villages
Easy navigation around the island

Blog

SAL

Takeaways from the Azores: