A new day dawns, and we visit the ruins of the Fortim do Rei fortification. It sits on a small hill directly behind the Blue Marlin Hotel.
The fort was built in 1852 and was equipped with seven cannons. Later, it served as a prison. Since the tourism project failed, it has fallen into increasing disrepair.
From here, however, you have a magnificent panoramic view of the Alto de São Nicolau district, the Farol de D. Luis lighthouse on Bird Island, Praia da Laginha beach, the harbor, the bay, and the center of Mindelo.
In the evening, we want to visit a small carnival street party near Rua das Salesianos. When we told our friendly receptionist at the Blue Marlin Hotel, Ms. Josina Fortes, she had a better idea. She wants to drive us to the Cruz de João d’Évora neighborhood.
We gratefully accept the offer. Once there, she shows us the Polidesportivo Cruz João Évora sports field. A rehearsal for the carnival parade is scheduled to take place here shortly. At the moment, however, there are only a few young people in the field. So we head to the intersection of Rua Oficinas Navais and Estrada da Cruz. This is a historic spot with a large viewing platform that offers a magnificent view over the bay and the rooftops of Mindelo.
After that, Josina drives us along Rua de Morgoinho to Parque do Lazareto. A peaceful spot with a view of the bay and the beach. Josina tells us that she often visits this place to relax and enjoy the tranquility.
We then continue on to Praia de São Pedro. In the distance, we can see the Farol de Dona Amélia lighthouse.
It’s a beautiful beach in São Pedro with a cozy little bar called Turtle Beach Bar, a wonderful place to enjoy the sunset.
After the sun has set on the horizon, we drive back to the Polidesportivo Cruz João Évora, the training ground for the carnival group Cruzeiros do Norte. A lively atmosphere already prevails. Young and old alike spend hours practicing popular parade music on their instruments, accompanied by rhythmic dancing. First, the amateurs rehearse, then the professional musicians and dancers.
We are fascinated to see how even the youngest children here develop a sense of rhythm for the samba – both on the instruments and while dancing. It seems to be in their blood. Their stamina and endurance are also admirable, as they have the energy to perform these movements for hours on end.
But it’s also a spectacular sight for the local population. Many spectators crowd around the square and begin to move to the rhythm of the music.
At 9 p.m., we set off again, though the training will likely continue until midnight.
Josina takes us to a restaurant we probably wouldn’t have found on our own: the Terra Lodge on Alto de Rua Franz Fanon. The entrance is not easy to find for strangers. First, you climb up a dark staircase, then you stand in front of a colorful iron gate. To the left of the gate is a doorbell. After ringing it, someone checks you out from a window on the second floor. If you pass inspection, the gate opens. Then a whole new world opens up! Behind the gate is a driveway, with a vintage VW Beetle parked on the right side. Then you go up another flight of stairs and reach a rooftop terrace from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the bay. The building is modern and well-maintained, and the food is excellent. There’s also an attached hotel section and a modern pool that invites you to take a dip.
Thanks to Josina, we spent a wonderful evening that will stay with us for a long time.
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