Is Cape Verde a good dstination for travellers?

Q: My girlfriend and I want to travel to Africa. Cape Verde seems like a beautiful location but is it 'real' Africa? The music we've heard so far is very pleasant but not typically rhythmic. Will we experience drummers there? Is there enough variety on the islands to make a three month trip? What are the costs like? Is it a good place for travellers rather than 'tourists'?

A: If the Cape Verde Islands are a good destination for you, I do not know. it depends what you expect and what you would like to do. Speaking in general Cape Verde is a surfer's paradise and a place to relax. I would recommende NOT to stay on Sal. In Sal tourism started with all bad side effects. Also visiting Cape Verde for 3 months may be a bit long in case you look for varietes. The best variety is to do some "Island hopping". Every Island of Cape Verde is different. Cape Verde belongs to the poorest countries and there is hardly anything to buy. Everything needs to be importet and is therefore kind of expensive. Example for having dinner: 1. Go to a Restaurant Western Style, have an excellent dinner and expect to may more than at home. 2. Go to typical "Restaurant". Big Mama has tuna on the grill and will serve it in her living room. This room will have some tables, table clothes, dishes etc, but nothing will fit. But - you will eat the most delious fish and the best tasting potatoes of your life. On Cape Verde you still can buy single cigarettes and the salesperson may be confused if you are asking for a carton. No public transportation on Cape Verde, but your hotel has a shuttle bus or you just jump on any car which comes along. Offer the driver a fare, but he will refuse and please accept this. Otherwise you'll offend him. Also when Cape Verde belongs to Africa, it's totally different. Cape Verdians are all mixed and it is common to see blond blacks. Their music is more Reggae related than playing African drums. In mny corners you will feel the charme of Cape Verde being a Portugise Colony before. Living on Cape Verde is very expensive or very cheap depending where you live and eat. Best thing to do is to spend money on accomodation and eat at local places. But please be aware that in this case you may eat Tuna 7 times the week:)). The menue card offers much more, but what will be served will depend on what was caught in the morning. Please get a private health insurance, especially if you decide to stay longer. Medical is poor and it's advised to be covered to be flown out in case of an emergency. Cape Verdians hardly do not speak any english, but are some of the most friendly and open people you can think about. Below please find my answers to other questions ask regarding Cape Verde incl. some great links: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Anudt4IxGgRMvPNZ.vYY1tojzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20080331094718AAK2E2s http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AoANicKVhZYUph9hmO_vSAYjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20070225082709AA35H1Z Wish you and your gf a very nice time on Cape Verde!

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