A Journey Through the Sands of Time

As I embarked on the 4x4 Island Tour of Boa Vista, I was reminded of the many train journeys I’ve taken across Europe, where the rhythm of the tracks and the ever-changing landscapes outside the window create a symphony of nostalgia. This time, however, the symphony was composed of the rumbling of a 4x4 engine and the whispering winds of the Viana Desert.

Our adventure began with a spirited drive into the heart of the desert, where the sands, blown in from the Sahara, formed majestic dunes that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. The experience was akin to the gentle sway of a train as it glides through the countryside, each dune a new vista to behold. Our guide, Roberto, shared tales of the desert’s origins, and I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the stories of travelers who have crossed these sands before me.

The highlight of this desert escapade was the opportunity to try sandboarding. As I stood atop a dune, ready to glide down its slope, I was transported back to my youth, when the thrill of new experiences was as intoxicating as the scent of fresh rain on a railway platform. The exhilaration of the descent was a reminder of the joy found in embracing the unknown.

Echoes of History at the Shipwreck

Leaving the desert behind, our journey took us off-road to the haunting remains of the Cabo de Santa Maria shipwreck. The rusting hull, half-buried in the sands of Santa Maria beach, stood as a testament to the island’s maritime history. It was a scene reminiscent of the abandoned stations and forgotten tracks I’ve encountered on my European rail adventures.

As I wandered around the shipwreck, I imagined the stories it could tell—of voyages embarked upon and dreams dashed upon the rocks. The solitude of the site was profound, much like the quiet moments spent gazing out of a train window, lost in thought as the world rushes by.

Our next stop was Sal Rei, the island’s capital, where we strolled through its streets and listened to tales of its past. The town’s vibrant energy was a stark contrast to the stillness of the shipwreck, yet both places shared a sense of history that resonated deeply with me. It was a reminder that every journey, whether by rail or by road, is a tapestry woven from the threads of time.

A Seaside Serenade

The tour continued with a delightful Cape Verdean lunch by the sea, where the gentle lapping of the waves provided a soothing soundtrack to our meal. It was a moment of tranquility that mirrored the peaceful dining cars of long-distance trains, where the world outside becomes a moving painting.

After lunch, we ventured to Povoçao Velha, the island’s oldest settlement. Though the village was quiet, its charm lay in its simplicity—a single chapel standing as a sentinel of faith and tradition. It was a place that invited reflection, much like the quiet corners of a train station where one can pause and ponder the journey ahead.

Our final destination was the breathtaking Santa Monica Beach, a stretch of white sand and azure waves that seemed to go on forever. The beauty of the beach was a fitting end to our tour, much like the final stop on a train journey that leaves you yearning for more. As I watched the waves crash against the shore, I was reminded of the timeless allure of travel—the promise of discovery and the joy of the journey itself.

In the end, the 4x4 Island Tour of Boa Vista was a reminder that every adventure, whether by land or by sea, is an opportunity to connect with the world and with oneself. It was a journey that, like the best train rides, left me with memories to cherish and stories to tell.