This morning we are trying to get back on track with getting up earlier. Even with the time change being gradual it has been somewhat challenging. There has been a "one hour forward" several nights in a row. That would be fine if one can just drift off anytime they choose but that is not so easy for some of us. Today I have vowed to avoid excessive carbs to have a better sense of well being.
First thing this morning we could see some island in the Azores chain off to the port side. We got ready and went to a lecture about the Portuguese - "They Were Everywhere" and it was interesting. Next we went to trivia, which was fit for snoozing so we left, walked, and went to lunch. I had salad and a small steak for lunch. John has a salad and corn cakes (like corn fritters more or less).
We planned a ship excursion in this port of call; Furnas Valley, meeting
first in the LaScala Theater at 2:15, scheduled to return at 7pm. We will miss dinner in the dining room but that is fine with us. After a week+ of cruise food the novelty tends to wear off. Of course it is still delicious but just not as exciting. Whoever was in charge of dispersing numbers for the tours really failed. Instead of calling each group to get there numbers they just had everyone show up in the theater, what a fiasco. I am sure it ruined the day trip for several people and at one point cussing with an impending fight seemed on the way. That is when I left. John went back in and eventually got our numbers and we did take the tour. Most of the time was on the bus but we did have 20-30 minutes in four different places. The first stop was Parque Terra Nostra, which was lovely and lush. Stop two was the Hot Springs, the water tasted really 
bad. I didn't swallow mine since no one was looking I spat it out! From there we drove and then walked up a trail to look down on Furnas Valley, inside the crater where there is a lake, two villages, and more. Just breathtaking views. The last stop was a city center with a lovely old Baroque church and simple park. We saw a Brazilian store there. I asked the guide about the relationship of the Azores with Brazil and she stated there are a lot of Azorean's in Campo Grande a state in southern Brazil. John had a cup of cafezinho, I would have but I know it would keep me awake. We were one of the last buses to depart the ship and next to the last to return. We had a quick bite in the Windjammer and then to our room. The ship departed as we were eating. They keep calling for one couple to check in, perhaps they were left behind?
Temperature: 62.6* 9:00pm
Sea: Moderate 4-7.5 ft
Nautical miles from Galveston 3836, from Ponta Delgada 6, to Cohb, Ireland 1142.
2 comments:
Good evening from Quinta das Acacias. We watched your ship leave Port tonight and it was a spectacular sight. We hope you enjoyed your day and will return just to spend a couple of weeks with us again.
I would like to introduce ourselves to you. We are Eduino and Bonita Sousa, owners of Quinta das Acacias Rural Accommodations outside of Ponta Delgada. Feel free to view our website at www.quintadasacacias.net and keep us in mind when you choose a restful vacation. This island is so enjoyable to tour through when you have lots of time. We moved here 2.5 years ago from western Canada and it is the best place to be. We call it paradise!
Sounds like such a wondeful cruise. maybe the time will come Michael and I can do that too. Have fun and stay safe.
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