Sand Volcano

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!!!

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

Relax

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

Stealing from paradise

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

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.

Fishing

A nice spot in the capital.

Crossing the desert

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.

The mouth of hell

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.

Kalandula

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

Road blockage

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

One more on the misplaced ship

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

Raining in Principe

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.

The Island where the green takes over

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.

The bridge

Oh, that way ... really.