Preparation and Trip to Cabo Verde

These are some pictures from our last days in San Sebastian/La Gomera before we departed to Cabo Verde. Some last installations and equipment was ready only on the very last minute. A perfect weather window and some last parties. Sad to leave friends but happy to leave Europe and open for new impressions, we had a perfect ride down in exactly 7 days. The first time with great trade winds. Click here or on the picture to start the slideshow.

Sal - the first island of Cabo Verde

The first country away from Europe. So expectations were not high, but even they were not met. Dusty, poor and lethargic. We left Sal / Cabo Verde as soon as possible. Probably the difference to La gomera was still to big for us. Click the picture to start the slide show.

Sao Nicolau - an undiscovered pearl

A big dolphin school gave us a great welcome and TO representative Henny Kusters was an unbeatable tourist guide to help us discover some beautiful places.

Discovering Sao Nicolau

Wihout Henny we never would have discovered this magic place where wind and ocean have formed an unbelievably picturesque landscape. Click the image to start the slide show.

Sao Vicente

What a difference to Sal and Sao Nicolau, but still sleepy, slow and poor. But different to what we heard, it was very safe.

Sao Vicente - Mindelo Mercado

These are just some impressions from the Mercado in Mindelo, an EU supported open market place. I was there for a shooting on a sunday afternoon, when it was closed. But even in the middle of the week it is not what it was originally intended. The snmall shop boxes are in the hands of african immigrants and no people from Mindelo are using it. the only interesting pictures I found were the tiles on each box showing the historic live in Mindelo and Sao Vicente. Even allowing for some nostalgy it is clear that the islnads have their better times behind.

Sao Vicente - Mindelo impressions

A walk from the the harbour via down town and through some favelas to the tip of the hill where we could look over the whole town.

Crossing the Atlantic from Mindelo to Salvador

With much less incidents than expected it was a trip earlier finished than expected. Every fish caught and evry bird seen was exciting in the middle of the ocean. Some great experiences like a whale school of 50 wahles were too exciting to get the camera quick enough. And suddenly, when the skyline of Salvador appeared at the horizon: we were in Brasil.

Dramatic skies at the doldrums

Here you can see where many weather phenomenas have ther cradle. Incredible cloud formations, horrible rain squalls, terrific light conditions changing every minute, usually over calm sea. We have never seen such skies.