stealing from a hermit crab

Goliaf Air? - Bout?

2008-06-03T15:58:00.007Z

Just received a picture from a friend confirming the transformation of the former Goliaf Air airplane to “AFRICA WEST cargo”. The transformation occurred in the International Airport of Sao Tome visible to everyone.
If trusting documents found on the internet (please find links in a previous post) it would connect this airplane with possible arms dealing in Darfur and with the arms dealer Victor Bout.

Victor Bout was arrested in March 6, a few weeks after this blog exposed the location of this airplane.

Goliaf Air turned AFRICA WEST

2008-02-15T19:16:00.003Z

A visit to the National Airport in Sao Tome revelead that the exact same plane An12, shifted his company name from Goliaf Air, with the track record including some of the reports posted in this blog, to a brand new company name AFRICA WEST.

Goliaf Air

2008-02-15T13:30:00.003Z

When in a previous post I was interested in the make of this plane I decided to investigate on the Goliaf Air company, here is what I found and the links:
Sudan delivery of arms by company with links to Sao Tome (time magazine) (The Sunday Times has seen western intelligence reports that link Dallex’s São Tomé operating partner Goliaf Air with the notorious arms dealer Victor Anatoliyevich Bout. If the report is accurate, it casts an even more sinister light on the shipments.) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article1687275.ece
EU/UNDP/SEESAC report suggesting links between Goliaf Air and the British company delivering arms in Sudan and indicating the high Risk of An 12 being used by arms dealers.
http://www.cmf.ch/transfert/_sCrime/contribution/adrian_wilkinson_part2.pdf
… Goliaf Air, is part of a wider clandestine arms delivery network (page 6)
http://www.seesac.org/reports/EXTRACT%20Techniques.pdf

Snorkeling finding

2008-02-10T19:59:00.000Z

Sea Urchin tests, are one of the many beauties you may find when snorkeling in Sao Tome. The fivefold radial bands indicate the kinship with the starfish and all other echinoderms.

Dock landing ship

2008-01-27T15:06:00.000Z

An amphibious dock landing ship the “USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)” is docked in the cost of Sao Tome since January 21. Even if it is more popular these days to say nasty things about the US military strategy, I have to say that these visits are really well taken in the country. They usually give some musical concerts (the ship’s band) and organize visits to the ship. I wonder about the results of this strategy if they had used it in the Middle East; for now it’s working alright here.
It seems that this ship was involved in mystery in the beginning of the year, when 2 of its sailors were found dead in a luxury hotel room in Accra. “Amazingly” not a lot of information is available on the web.

Sand Volcano

2008-01-22T16:59:00.000Z

In the Rolas Island (ilheu das Rolas) you will find a curious geological formation called by locals – The Sand Volcano. It is actually a hole in the ground that expels sand to the air with a loud uuuuuuuuuuuuuh sound.
I am guessing it is a lava tube that ends inside the sea, the waves could then create a sort of vacuum effect that would cause the expelling of the sand … but again I am just guessing with a still European mind set and it could be much more fantastic than that!!!

Antonov An-12

2008-01-21T20:03:00.000Z

Didn’t saw one of these since the civil war in Angola, where they carried people like sheep’s. The AN-12 is a military aircraft, produced mainly in the 60’s this 4 engine turboprop is the scariest bird in the sky, well this is the impression I got from to frequent crashes in Angola. I will try to have more info on this Goliaf Air company, it is registered in Sao Tome.

Eco lodge – Jale Beach

2008-01-18T19:00:00.000Z

A couple of nights at the Eco lodge at the Jale Beach (Praia Jale - Sao Tome and Principe) will give you the feeling of paradise and the opportunity to participate in a wonderful community development project . With a little luck you will be able to see the giant turtle, a species in extinction all over the world. Information and reservations through (+)239/222792

50th post

2008-01-17T16:40:00.000Z

To commemorate the 50th published post at “Stealing from a hermit crab (allorange.blogspot)”; a re-post of the story that originated this blog’s name.

stealing from a hermit crab
Just the other day, I stopped by the beach to have a sandwich for lunch, and as I was leaning to pick up a nice shell, it started running from me … I was amused finding that both me and this hermit crab had similar tastes on shells.

Relax

2008-01-14T19:15:00.000Z

A wonderful way to spend Sunday, may jut be finding a good spot under the shade of a tree.

Sao Tome in TIME

2008-01-11T08:30:00.000Z

An article, with the title: "An Easy Island Pace", was published by TIME Magazine. Even if a little superficial it still gives some good tips to short term visitors to Sao Tome and Principe. Take a look at: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1701674,00.html

Stealing from paradise

2008-01-07T18:53:00.000Z

The same ones assigned to protect the richest asset in the country, the beaches, are destructing it probably on behalf of some high military officer. This scene took place in front of several people in a sunny Sunday morning, in one of the most visited beaches in Sao Tome, Praia das Conchas.
It is possible to see the damage inflicted to the beach by this possible continued action: 1. Appearance of rocks replacing the sandy beach; 2. Difference between original level of the sand (grass level) with the level where the military are digging.

To the beach

2008-01-04T13:17:00.000Z

Every January 1st ALL beaches in Sao Tome and Principe get crowded. I would venture a guess saying that way over 50% of the population of the country goes to the beach on that day.
Other that knowing that everyone else is there, the reason behind it is that it is believed that diving in the waters of the ocean, or even a river, on that day, will wash away all the sins from the previous year.

Small fruit of the equator

2007-12-24T12:17:00.000Z

This giant bread fruit was the theme for one of the most celebrated movies in Sao Tome. This Movie “Frutinha do Equador” (Small fruit of the equator) tells the story of a group of persons, lead by Buter (Joao Quaresma), who transport a giant bread fruit, throughout the Island. Before reaching their destiny they have to overcome many obstacles, meet people and face fears.

Fishing

2007-12-16T21:14:00.000Z

A nice spot in the capital.

Creative Airplane

2007-12-10T18:20:00.000Z

Not sure if this is what a passenger would value in a airplane, but it is undeniably creative.

For my next vacation

2007-12-05T17:19:00.000Z

To relax, spend quality time with your family, meet new people, places and cultures, or just hang out, vacations are really great and last long after they are over. Well it is arguable that the vacations you chose may say a lot about what you are at that time … let’s analyze the voters in this blog.From the 33 voters, only 21% would chose to go to a developed country setting, but still 48% would rather go to one of these great resorts in Cancun or Thailand. We have 21% of our voting readers wanting to experiment the mystery and beauty of Asia and 30% preferring the magic of Africa. Of those going to Africa 60% would have the great experience of a safari (a photographic one I hope) and 40% would rather spend time in the paradisiacal islands. Well, I have to say … it all looks pretty good to me.

Crossing the desert

2007-11-06T15:30:00.000Z

Leaving the luxurious green islands for a couple of weeks, I look below and see only desert. I will have less blogging opportunities ... c-ya anytime soon.

Sand dollars from Sao Tome

2007-11-01T00:14:00.000Z

From the Echinoderm class the Sand dollar is a unique marine animal. In Sao Tome and Principe they can only be found in one beach, the beach of the seven waves (Praia das Sete Ondas).
The particularity of the Santomese Sand dollar is that he reminds us of a mask, or a ghost, or a …

The legend of the horseman and the blowhole

2007-10-30T18:44:00.000Z

In the XIX century the Mouth of Hell (Boca do Inferno) was in the property of one of the most notorious characters from the colonial times in Sao Tome and Principe, the Baron of Agua-Ize. This man is responsible for the introduction of the cocoa that latter allowed Sao Tome and Principe to become the largest cocoa producer in the world.
Well, enough history, let’s get to what really matters, the legend … It is believed that the Baron mounted in his horse would occasionally, jump directly into the blowhole and would disappear… would reappear in Lisbon … and return from the hole in the rock in the middle of the waves and mist mounted on his horse. Well I have asked several of this story tellers if anyone had tried to use this magical gate and get a free ticket to Europe, but it looks like no one else has tried it just as yet.

The mouth of hell

2007-10-28T19:26:00.000Z

I wonder about the origin of the name of this amazing blowhole, Boca do inferno - hell’s mouth. Well all around you will find basalt-octagons reminding huge teeth; with a little of imagination you will see a mouth shaped lave tube; and it does blow like hell.

There are several stories and myths about this place … check out tomorrows post.

Birth of Passion

2007-10-25T17:15:00.000Z

The end of the trilogy for passion.

Passion flower

2007-10-23T15:50:00.000Z

Passion is a fair name for this amazing flower; however you may know that the name does not refer to love. Have you seen the movie “Passion of Christ”, well to this flower were attributed symbols related to the crucifixion of Christ. Some of the characteristics of the passion flower and what it represents:

3 stigmas – 3 nails

5 lower anthers – 5 wounds

72 radial filaments (corona) – Crown of Thorns

10 petals and sepals – 10 of the apostles (Judas and Peter excluded)

Well I guess that if a 17th century Spanish priests we would see all that too.

A flower for passion

2007-10-22T18:11:00.000Z

This wonderful plant continues to be one of my favorite hobbies. Even if its name, Passion Flower, does not refer to love (I will post on this tomorrow) it still evokes the blossom of an hard to contain passion.

Canoe skills

2007-10-21T20:17:00.000Z

Really amazed by the landing skills of this fisherman.

Playing games

2007-10-19T17:15:00.001Z

This couple of Pintailed Whydah (Vidua macroura) played hide and seek for several minutes showing pleasure on just being with each other. When I got too close the male performed a wonderful flight waiving is long tail in the air.

Orange all the way

2007-10-18T18:46:00.000Z

In a survey conducted it was found that 50% of this blog voting readers would have orange juice at their breakfast. We do like it orange don’t we. Thanks for voting and let me know if you have some idea for the next poll.

Gigantic acacia

2007-10-17T21:08:00.000Z

Just this afternoon on my way to visit a project … again a road block. The way through the gigantic Acacia trunk had just been sawed off and we could continue our trip, but what an amazing tree and how sad to see it down.

A dog has to do what a dog has to do

2007-10-16T17:41:00.000Z

Lizard ears

2007-10-15T18:20:00.000Z

This wall lizard has incredible hearing and sight, I was able to catch this one on profile and get the detail of the external ear opening. Several lizard species have some sort of third eye they use to regulate how much sun exposure they need … what amazing little bests.

Kalandula

2007-10-14T06:41:00.000Z

I took this picture in Angola, province of Malange, about 6 years ago. This magical place is called the Waterfalls of Kalandula.

We are family

2007-10-12T16:55:00.000Z

This family reminds me on how much I miss my own.

Road blockage

2007-10-11T20:52:00.000Z

One per trip is already pretty unusual, and even if we were able to continue our trip .... two road blocks, come on ...

Butterfly luck

2007-10-10T17:15:00.000Z

The ants took care of the burial. In a couple of hours there was nothing more than this out of a beautiful butterfly.

One more on the misplaced ship

2007-10-09T18:29:00.000Z

Requested by one of this blog readers, here goes one more picture on the misplaced ship. This ship stopped by one of the most central avenues in the country, and has been laying there for over one year. Several ships came to die in the cost of Sao Tome and Principe. The captain and mates take the plane and leave the country leaving the boat behind saving on the dismantling of the ship but costing on the pollution (water contamination and visual) it causes to this small state.

The port should be around

2007-10-08T20:35:00.000Z

Raining in Principe

2007-10-07T15:03:00.000Z

Last year it rained every single day in October without interruption, ligado (connected) as they say in the island. In my last day in Principe, I had some hours of sunshine, but this may not be the best month to visit this paradise island if you’re looking for some sunny beach days.

Marketing strategy

2007-10-06T18:40:00.000Z

LIFE COSTS, may not be the best name for a shop, but at least it’s honest. You're warned ... buying here it’s gonna cost ya.

The legend of the underwater woman

2007-10-04T17:38:00.001Z

There was once a woman that lived in a house by the shore of the Papagaio River, in the mystical Island of Principe. One day surprisingly both woman and house had disappeared. The woman had taken her house and decided to live under the river. From that point on, any children, women or men that step into this single place in the river would disappear into the roof of this woman’s house never to be seen again.
The story tells that recently she moved away from this river, and went to live in a nearby beach, Praia Evora. She has been busy building a village of underwater people there.

The Island where the green takes over

2007-10-03T19:01:00.000Z

The island where Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was experimentally proved successful has a luxurious vegetation. Santo Antonio, the Island capital has some beautiful buildings and monuments ….

… but look aside for some years and even in the center of the capital, Santo Antonio, nature will take over.

A taste of passion

2007-10-02T20:41:00.000Z

This was the first passion fruit (called maracujá around here) of this plant and yes it is as big as it looks and had an incredible sweat taste. Well it does have a thick rind, but still ...

Hair art

2007-10-01T16:58:00.001Z

This shoot has over 3 years, but the expertise put into this work still amazes me and, yes, it looked wonderful on her.

Banana beach

2007-09-30T22:07:00.000Z

This banana shaped beach is indeed called Praia Banana (Banana Beach). That’s original.

It is the most beautiful beach I have seen and, I am not sure I want to say where it is … well ok, it is located in the Island of Principe.

A mountain more than Starbucks

2007-09-29T19:44:00.000Z

Visiting Monte Café (Mountain of Coffee) I tried to capture the perfume of the flowers of coffee, unable to achieve my purpose, I bring the fruits instead.

Amazing spider

2007-09-27T18:06:00.000Z

From up the montain into the forest of the smallest country in Africa, this amazing spider, a very unique spiny orb-weaver a Gasteracantha sanguinolenta C. L. Koch, 1844 (Africa, São * Tomé Socotra).

Free Willy

2007-09-25T07:27:00.000Z

I was able to catch this little fish after an ingenious trap setting; my 2 year son sent it free soon after. We called the fish - Willy, :o).

A mention to the excellent camouflage. Can you immediately spot the 3 fishes in the picture?

The bridge

2007-09-24T15:44:00.000Z

Oh, that way ... really.

Puppy the fighter

2007-09-23T11:15:00.000Z

The puppy and the pig face each other ready to a mortal combat ... suddenly the fearless killer machine jumps over a vanquished big pig …

In the end, it really looked like the pig was having a lot of fun at the puppy expenses…

Tidal death trap

2007-09-21T13:22:00.000Z

In a tidal pool a drama occurred, probably a few hours before my arrival. A fish trapped in a tidal pool, lacking of oxygen was caught by a Sea anemone and was being devoured right in front of my eyes.

The revenge of the hermit crabs

2007-09-20T16:53:00.000Z

Yesterday was a public holyday, celebrating the National women’s day, and as my family is leaving for some months, we took the afternoon off and went to the beach, we always have fun there and of course it is always a place full of blogging opportunities (I will be posting some amazing stuff over the next few days).
I decided to look for hermit crabs, and did take some shots … until I started feeling itching on my legs. It started growing in my body until I realize it was not some insect bite but actually a skin allergy, maybe of something I stepped over while distracted by the hermit crabs. This morning I felt like I had been bitten by 1000 mosquitoes. I am on hydrocortisone and antihistaminic pills but can only think that maybe in some way the hermit crabs got a little revenge over the title of this blog. Well, I really need to go scratch myself now …

Love of one day (amor-de-um-dia)

2007-09-19T07:36:00.000Z

These beautiful flowers, possibly from the family Asteraceae, last only for one day and at the sunset fade away, to be replaced in the next morning by another flower. Locals call it the love-of-one-day …

Numbers telling stories (cholera)

2007-09-17T16:59:00.000Z

Today was one of those days were I couldn’t leave the office building ... one of the tasks I needed to do was ensuring that proper reporting was prepared for a cholera related project. Not to be limited to data from Sao Tome and Principe I went and googled Cholera in the web and found this information from WHO (http://www.who.int/) that I compiled in the table that follows:
FYI in this 150.000 people country we had more cases of cholera than Europe, North America, Oceania and Asia altogether. It would be almost comic if it wasn’t a terrifying reality.

Blowing 50 balloons is almost fun

2007-09-16T20:15:00.000Z

Well I have to say that blowing over 50 balloons is quite an amazing experience, it fills the ground with balloons and all around with light spots … the outcome was fun even if half of them popped before the party.

Just to kill time I have googled popped ballons and found this: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2007/05/15/nosplit/eaquestion115.xml

Hitler … really?

2007-09-15T20:36:00.000Z

Just yesterday an electrician came to install a lamp in a new meeting area. You wouldn’t be able to guess the first name of this young man - Hitler. Has I inquired him about his name he simple told me: “well my parents didn’t know who he was and enjoyed the sound of the name”. Oh my …

Touch-me-not (não-me-toques)

2007-09-13T07:38:00.000Z

Well, you’ve probably heard about this plant, the Sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica L.).This plant is sitting in the backyard of my office, and it still amazes me. Here goes a demonstration with the help of my good friend, Daigo, and his finger.

You can find information about the Sensitive plant and some interesting links at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sensitive_plant

Scary night … running for your life.

2007-09-12T17:12:00.000Z

Rafael is not only a good friend he is also a guard in the compound where I live. He is a strong and brave fellow and an incredible storyteller.
This story was told to me last night, following a discussion about the frequent robberies in the country. I was amused by telling him that one of the guards, on a previous office I worked in, was chased away by robbers, Rafael looked at me and told me: “I have to confess, I also once had to run”.

These events took place over 15 years ago, when Rafael was still the guard at the old city market. One night he heard noises inside the market and he went in to check it … when he entered the enclosed market there was an almost shadow like old men sitting on a wooden wheelchair. Staring at him, this figure started to slowly advance in his direction … he knew that it was impossible for that old man to be inside the walls … but the creaking wooden wheels sound advancing in his direction precipitated the only decision possible … Rafael started to run and only stopped 5 km away inside his home. He only came back at the sunrise never to see that old man again.

This story and photo were published with the permission of Rafael Barros. I am sure I will be posting more than once based on his stories.

stealing from a hermit crab

2007-09-11T12:26:00.000Z

Just the other day, I stopped by the beach to have a sandwich for lunch, and as I was leaning to pick up a nice shell, it started running from me … I was amused finding that both me and this hermit crab had similar tastes on shells.

The cows but not the goats

2007-09-10T09:30:00.000Z

I was sitting in this amazing beach in Sao Tome and Principe and suddenly …