Valley of Cova, Coba Verde

I have never set eyes on a human landscape more beautiful than the valleys of Cabo Verde. Pictured is the valley of Cova, a 100-meter gap in the mountains on the north side of Santo Antao Island. No road comes here. Ten or so houses stand at the head of the valley. The people fish with long bamboo poles and cultivate fruits, vegetables, and grains on every piece of land that can be made flat between the steep valley walls. A stream trickles down through the fields, providing fresh water. To the ignorant observer the valley is the epitome of subsistence wealth, of life in balance. MH