I travelled for a few days in 2016 to São Tomé, the capital and the largest city of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is a country in Central Africa which consists of two main islands, namely São Tomé and Príncipe. It was founded in the 15th century by the Portuguese and thus has Portuguese as its official language. It gained its independence in 1975.
São Tomé is the bigger island. The name, “São Tomé”, is the Portuguese word for “Saint Thomas”. Príncipe is the Portuguese word for “Prince”. I learnt some basic Portuguese expressions to get me around. I remember “obrigada” (thank you), “por favor” (please), “sim” (yes) and “não” (no).
I managed to do only a spot of sightseeing during my brief stay as it was a work-related trip. But, hey! Even a single picture brings back lovely, heartfelt memories and helps to relive the amazing experience.
Captivating cane lamp shades giving a warm welcome at the hotel
How can I forget these colourful, flowery bedclothes?
Seems like the bridge is leading into the sea!
Serenity begins here!
By the poolside.
One of the three statues of explorers in front of the São Sebastião Museum (Museu de São Sebastião). This museum is housed in a 16th century fortress in São Tomé. The Portuguese built the fortress in 1566 to protect the port and city of São Tomé against attacks from pirates. Now it is a national museum which contains religious art and colonial-era artifacts.
Inside the fortress which is now São Sebastião Museum. This reminded me of a medieval castle, the Alcázar of Segovia in Spain, which I visited twenty-six years ago.
View from São Sebastião Museum
In front of the Premier University of São Tomé and Príncipe. I couldn’t leave without a salute to academia!
On the last day of my trip, I visited the Ossobô Spa of the Pestana São Tomé Ocean and Spa Hotel for a massage. The Ossobô is named after one of the famous birds in the island. I had a hot stone massage which was so relaxing and pleasurable that for a moment, I forgot where I was and I basked in sheer ecstasy…………..
São Tomé, I have pleasant memories of you. Obrigada!
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