That's right... smile!! The people from Cape Verde are always smiling. And relax!! Enjoy the beautiful, long beach and the deliciously grilled lobster...
The sea water is warm all year round. In Febuary it's very windy. I went there in Feb and it was windy all week.
Shopping is nothing special and if you're planning on visiting the local market, do not expect much. All I could see was a few ladies seating outside on the floor, selling bananas and beans.
There were no 'nice' shops there. In fact, the supermarket were quite poor and desorganised.
Talk with the local people (better if you speak Portuguese). They are very, very nice. Women can walk in the streets late at night, no one will bother them.