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As I write this, Amistad is currently docked in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on the island of Santiago. It has been some time since my last writing, so it is hard to decide what to talk about, there is just so much. Over the past two plus weeks, the freedom schooner has been sailing/motoring around the Cape Verde Islands, off the coast of the African mainland. I find the country of Cape Verde very interesting for a couple different reasons, first being the variety of landscape. The islands range from large scale, volcanic islands to dry, flat desert islands. The island of Sao Vicente, in particular the city of Mindelo, had large modern yachts accompanied by a beautiful shoreline. The island of Fogo almost seemed like another planet to me, with amazing mountains and breathtaking beaches and cliffs. I find the people of Cape Verde interesting and also very different from the people I met in Sierra Leone. The large Porteqeuse influence is clear in most parts of the country, as Cape Verde recently received their independence from them in 1975. I almost would describe some of the Cape Verde natives as Caribbean looking, maybe South American. We have spent a good deal of time researching each island as we visit them, which helps everyone understand how the slave trade effected this particular country. The island of Santiago, our current location, is by far the largest of the ten islands, and certainly feels that way. Like most of the cities of Cape Verde, Praia is filled with European feeling cobblestone streets, while at the same time having the small villages most people would picture when they think of Africa. Today we began the public segment of our stay in Praia, opening the ship up for tours and history lessons. I found it challenging to convey the Amistad message and story the way I wanted to because of the language difference. Each night in my bunk I try to focus on my presentation of the Amistad story, while in the back of my head I can’t stop thinking about the transatlantic, a 3+ week sail, which is looming ever closer. Either way, I still have a great sense of pride representing the Amistad and enjoy being part of this historic journey. We have added four new crewmembers in the last couple weeks, as well as lost one, bringing our total to 15. At the end of the week, Paul will be leaving Amistad to return to the U.S. His departure will be hard but also strange for me, as he taught me a lot of things I now know about the Amistad and the basic daily routine. He will be missed. To all my friends and family, I miss each and everyone one of you and think about you daily. I constantly find myself stopping throughout the day and thinking about what everyone is doing, particularly my college friends. For example, there are some mornings around 4 am or so when I find myself scrubbing a head, when I stop and realize all my friends back in the US are probably out “enjoying their youth.” At the same time, I find myself stopping and thinking about what everyone is doing back home while I’m watching dolphins and flying fish cruising off the bow or exploring yet another fascinating place. Probably sitting in class somewhere. By the way I have lost access to my email address and am currently waiting to get another. Anyways, I can’t to see everyone once I get back to the states, and I hope everyone is doing well. Oh and we picked up a puppy here in Cape Verde, her name is Fogo.
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