Ponta Delgada to Boston

 

This was a day to relax and see friends off home. The Solots were flying out today. So we spent time with them. Kathy and we then walked around the city to find a small lunch. My sleep has been chaotic and I welcomed a 2 hour nap before dinner.  Tonight, with just the 3 of us, we returned to Biai dos Anjos for dinner. The red wines here are particularly good and very reasonably priced. I’m ready to go tomorrow. The island is beautiful but 2 or 3 days is enough for us. We leave on 11/15 at 6 pm. Arrive in Boston at 8 pm with coats at the ready. 

Sunday Brunch

 

Louis’ and Jerome’s Home

Louis, John’s brother (pictured above with Wayne), and Jerome, Louis’ husband, invited us to brunch at their home in Caloura. They have 4 acres of land that is better described as 4 acres of paradise. The house sits above beautiful gardens that roll down to the ocean. Very high above this house, they are building a second home where they will move when it is completed. That home has a view of the ocean to the south. 

Two of the sisters and brother Able were there along with Alves wife and daughter. As can be expected with a large family, it was boisterous, funny, a bit sad, and loving. Oh, and there was the very nice Fred, resident dog. 

Back in Ponta Delgada Kathy, Wayne and I took a walk to find an ATM nd check out a Fado restaurant. The restaurant only has Fado on Wednesday.  Dinner a the hotel.  Pictures of paradise

And the Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round and ‘Round

 

Us as Twins at the Twin Lakes, Sete Cicades

The 5 of us hired a tour for today. Valter, our guide, has relatives in New Bedford and Providence. No surprise there actually. A very informed man; he speaks 6 languages including Greek and Latin. We circled the coast line of the entire island. For the most part we were high atop the mountains with wonderful views of the calderas and coastal cities. We stopped for lunch at a small village restaurant where I ordered the catch of the day, mackerel. I can’t begin to describe the perfection of this grilled delight. Plus, vegetables fruit and salad on the plate made this a meal for at least 2. It was so abundant that we and Kathy had appetizers at the hotel bar for dinner. Please look at the Photos to appreciate this gorgeous island. 

Adeus João

 

Wayne in Ribeira Quente 

All 19 of us who are here to spread John’s ashes and celebrate him drove to the town in which he was born and spent his first 14 years. It was a small village sitting on the Atlantic much unchanged from when the Limas lived here. John’s sister Ligia told stories of their time here before immigrating to the USA. Brother Louis pointed out their home. The parents immigrated with all six children in order to escape the Facist Salazar. After the ashes were spread, we all went to a bar which was located where John’s father would distill booze. There we toasted John and heard reminisces from the family. Louis drove us back and stopped at Furnas. Furnas sits in a dormant volcanic crater. Although the Furnas volcano last erupted in 1630, you can feel, see and smell the geothermal activity all around you in the form of steaming fumaroles, thermal pools and natural mineral springs. The locals utilize the heat of the ground to cook the famous Cozido stew, and also use the mineral waters in several recipes for cheese, pastries, breads, meats and more. Upon our return to Ponta Delgado we had lunch with Kathy and the Solots at The House of Balcahau where I had a delicious Tower of Bacaulau.  Pictures of our day

And So We Change Continents

 

Beaver Moon Over Dorchester Bay Boston

It should be a good omen to have see this beautiful Beaver moon over Dorchester Bay as we drove into Boston Logan airport. There We met Kathy and Howard and Janet Solot at check-in. We then proceeded to the French airport lounge for drinks and snacks before boarding the plane. The flight was 4 hours, and we arrived at 6 AM, were picked up by a hired transport and taken to our hotel. As our bodies considered it 1:30 AM we checked into the room and slept until noon. We met Cathy in the bar for a quick lunch and then walked around the downtown area.  Tonight John’s brother, Louis, and brother-in-law Jerome will take us to dinner across from the hotel. Pictures from our walk.

Update. Dinner was a loooonnnnggggg table of family and friends with wonderful Portuguese wine. 

The Night Before the Day Before Ilha de São Miguel, Portugal

 

São Miguel Volcanic Lake  “Lagoon of the Seven Cities”

We are traveling to the beautiful Portuguese island of Sao Miguel on Wednesday.  We will be arriving on Thursday at 6am, tired, sleepy but happy to be there.  I have wanted to see the Azorean islands for a long time during the hydrangea blooming season.  That won't be possible this trip as they will be dormant in November. But the island offers more with volcanic lakes, mountains, hot springs and geysers. The visit a somber trip because we are there to support our friend Kathy Lima as she spreads her husband, John's, ashes. John was a dear friend of both Wayne and I.  I have know him for over 45 years and carry loving memories of his generosity, friendship, humor and more. 

Sete Cidades