Chapter IV

At breakfast, it is impossible not to reciprocate with a sparkle in one’s eyes, the enormous and bright smile of Denilsa, to the cheerfulness of Aty and the dedication of Hugo, who fusses over our cutlery. Simple and gracious gestures that express a friendliness and way of being that are so genuine they touche our soul. Just like, in fact, everything we experience in this harmonious corner of the Atlantic. The unblemished and generous state of the wilderness around us can also be seen in the people, revealed in every gesture and in their natural smiles, that are almost unsettling in their spontaneity.

Once again, aboard Corvina, we spot the beaches Seabra, Campanha, das Burras, Banana, Macaco and Boi. It is at this last beach where equipped with snorkelling tube and mask, we once again dive into the water that alternates between emerald and turquoise green, to explore a marine ecosystem which is as exotic and abundant as everything else on the island.

We return to the Bom Bom resort, where another fascinating sight awaits us, this time in the shape of an equatorial storm (this being the rainy season). The palm trees dance in the wind, thunder rages and heavy rain pours down, penetrating every pore of this fertile land, and nourishing it. This powerful spectacle of nature with its sound and movement, makes us feel the pulse of nature up close, soaking up all its earthly energy.


Chapter V

After the visit to the Terreiro Velho plantation (see further on page 134), we reach the fishing village of Praia Abade, sensing the smell of salty fish in the air. We go down to the beach to join the children playing football on the sand, refreshing themselves with quick dips in the sea. The first person to approach us shyly is Milita, and seconds later, we are surrounded by other girls whose curiosity soon dissolves into smiles. The same smiles that have welcomed us on the island from the moment we arrived. Beaming. Authentic. Unique.

On the following day, we meet Diana at 7:15 am on the Santa Rita beach. It is to be one of the last images of this unspoilt paradise that we will be leaving in a few hours and which we are determined remains engraved on our memories. The light is still dim and all around us peace and absolute silence reign. Ours are the first footsteps on this long stretch of golden sand, fringed by coconut and carroceiro trees. And so we indulge in another reinvigorating swim in the sea, absorbed by intense happiness.

Read the full story in our printed edition - Attitude #69