Here in the Cabo Verde archipelago the traditional house building material is stone with a cob mortar. There is lots of clay on these volcanic islands, however there is more rock and it’s everywhere and, like the Basque people, the Cabo Verdians on the mountain & 
valley island of Santo Antão climb and descend large distances carrying large loa
ds daily. When I inquired about all the physical labor they poo pooed it saying that they enjoyed it and it keeps them healthy. This is their health insurance . The old stone and mortar homes I found to be located often on dangerous-looking precipices, cliff edges, and mountaintops with great views. Many of them are now roofless and unihabited but the walls remain vibrant and ready to house new tenants at any moment…with a good roof!
Fontainhas, an hour walk along the mountain face from Ponta do Sol, as seen from the path and overlooking a farmer and his breathtaking terrace view!
