Page 41 - Puissance Euro 1

THE GARDEN OF EDENThe African country Cape Verde, a former Portuguese colony, consists of some 17 volcanic islands, each with their very own character. Each island is a holiday para- dise, from the large isle of Santiago, to the small isle of Ilhéu. There are snow white sandy beaches begging you welcome everywhere. Let me take you by the hand and lead you through a Garden of Eden.The archipelago Cape Verde is situated in the Atlantic Ocean at about 500 km west of the African continent. It was colo- nized by the Portuguese, but since 1975 Cape Verde has been an independent democratic republic. All islands together cover a surface of 4,000 km2 for half a million of inhabitants. The official language is Portuguese, but people speak a Cre- ole tongue. Mount Pico de Fogo is the islands’ highest peak at 2,829 m. It is a real paradise for sun lovers with an average temperature of 26°C and 350 days of sun a year.Sal, the salty islandThe small longish isle of Sal barely covers 216 km2 and owes its name to former salt making. That is where its internationalairport is situated. The island deterio- rated to a desert because of drought and erosion. Palmeira is the most authentic village on the island, but it has no beach. Beaches are situated on the South coast. The touristic Santa Maria shows off a wide and long sandy beach running up to the surfing spot Ponta Preta. A visit to Espargos, the largest city on the island, is worthwhile. In its neighbourhood you will discover Pedra de Lume, a salt lake in a crater. You can bathe in its salty water of the nearby saltpans, surrounded by charming hills.Santo Antao covers 800 m2. The almost 2,000 m high Topo de Coroa is an eye- catcher amidst its green. The island dwellers live off fishing and agriculture, sugar cane, cassava and bananas. It is a paradise for hikers. The walking trip from39