Ola from Mindelo! It’s now about 3 weeks that I´m a bit stuck in this city. It wasn’t really loved at first sight, but slowly, I get to love this city more and more. Sometimes, you just need to try a little harder to see the beauty of a place.
At first, beggars overwhelmed me at any corner. Now, I just want to enjoy the incredible musical offer of Mindelo. In the end, it’s all a matter of perspectives.
Probably, it’s not even Mindelo’s fault. I was supposed to stay here for a maximum of 1 week and then continue my boat hitchhiking adventure. But it took me some time and misadventures until I got on the right boat with the right people. Now, I have my base at the marina of Mindelo and Im helping wherever I can to get the boat ready to cross the Atlantic. A dream is about to come true!
If I’ve learned something about this trip, it´s that you can’t plan anything but that everything will be fine at the end. I started my adventure in Tenerife without knowing where I’d end up. I only wanted to sail and travel slowly. I had enough time and budget to get carried away by the wind. That’s how I ended up in Cape Verde. First in Sal, later in Mindelo and then in green paradise Santo Antao.
Back in Mindelo, I reunited with friends I knew from Tenerife in order to sail together across the Atlantic. If I look back now, everything seemed so obvious.
Everything worked out well. Everything felt just right. But in between the stages, I felt completely torn between waiting/asking for a boat to sail or buying a flight ticket to the American continent. I realize now that I need to trust more in the positive course of events. That will be my New Year’s resolution.
Now, I can’t wait to spend New Year’s Eve with my boat family and enjoy the big party in the streets of Mindelo. A farewell party to the city of love-hate.
A healthy and happy 2020! May it be full of positive energy and travels!
Hola! I am Paulina, a fervent travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, you’ll find all the tips to make the most of your holiday. Get ready to enjoy outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling or sailing. Let’s hit the road together!
