The Azores are part of Portugal but located 300+ miles off shore in the Atlantic. On our last crossing we were supposed to stop but didn’t. Apparently it’s not always easy to land here. But this morning, bright and early at 7am, we docked to a very rainy day!
We met our driver Nuno from Green Vision at the port.
There were six of us in the van. We rode to an area called Caloura. The countryside was lush and green.
Churches are very interesting white and brown trim.
Fishing boats were being worked on.
There was also a man made pool that is fed by the ocean.
The roads are steep, narrow and windy in the Azores. Areas have many houses and then many fields.
We traveled to an overlook, Senhora da Paz viewpoint, with a church on top of the hill.
Each step landing had a ceramic image. This is the church of Senora da Paz or Lady of Peace.
We went to the dormant Furnas volcano, where there are mud baths and thermal pools. People go there to drink the mineral water from the springs.
The area was quite picturesque.
Nuno bought a sweet bread, bobos levedos, that we shared. It had the consistency of an English muffin but sweet.
Our next stop was a tea plantation, Cha Gorreana. We toured the plant. Some of the equipment dated to the 1800s.
The soil is very fertile and hydrangeas grow wildly along roadsides.
And you have to watch out for the cows!
Lots of sites a long our way!
And one last church- Nossa Senhora da Estrella church built 509 years ago!
Finally a delicious lunch with authentic Azorean food!
Back on board to sail away! Next stop Fort Lauderdale!
#azores#greenvision#nossasenhoradaestrela#furnesvolcano
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