Waka Waka

There is a song by Shakira called "Waka Waka, Time for Africa." It is one of my favorite songs. Right now Sila is in the Cape Verde Islands, which are off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania. We are in Africa. This is the third continent I have been to, which is exciting because how many 9-year old kids have been so lucky to visit North America, Europe, and Africa. I never thought I would be in Africa at this young age.

The Sahara desert is only 325 nautical miles away. On our way here we saw the sand in the sky. It must have been kicked up and blown so far. Some of the sand even settled onto the boat. Isn't that funny?

I always wondered and thought it would be cool to be in Africa. The Cape Verdes are so interesting because they are totally different from the USA or Europe. Most people here are a different race. It feels weird to not look like other people. Also, they act, eat, speak, look and live differently. For example, they speak Portuguese and a local dialect. A lot more people are out and about, walking to different places and hanging out in the streets and the squares, not staying home like in the United States. I feel mismatched because I look different. Most people here have dark skin and wear detailed clothes. Detailed clothes are ones that have fancy designs and pictures on them. I usually tend to wear plain one-color shirts.

Here in Mindelo, a lot of people are selling things and are always nagging you to buy their goods. On the street, people sell things they can carry like necklaces, sunglasses, earrings, and headphones.  Or they set up a little display on the ground with paintings, wooden figures, and baskets. People also set up little bowls where you can buy one cigarette or one small piece of candy, or one stick of gum- nothing in a bag. I am glad we are going to be here a little longer to explore more. –Jack Rabbit