Antonov An-12

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

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

To the beach

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

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.

The legend of the horseman and the blowhole

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 legend of the underwater woman

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.

Scary night … running for your life.

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.