We love to travel, but we travel to meet places — not hotels. We’re drawn to destinations that are less touristic. Cape Verde may be popular, but Santiago Island feels different.

Of course, we enjoyed the beautiful beaches and fresh coconuts. But what stayed with us were the people: the man who gave Manuel a bracelet, the work Carlos and his team do with children at the Maracanã Association, the boys on the beach asking for photos while doing acrobatics, and the children in Tarrafal simply asking for fresh water.

These connections are what make traveling truly worthwhile.