So, where were we? Oh yes, we had just beat the bus to the Caldeira crater. Yay private car tour, piloted by Ed, the #2 Best Driver in the World! We beat feet out of the Caldeira and headed back down the steep slopes toward the more populated area of Horta and Flamengos.
On our way down, the views were fantastic. See our little ship there in the picture on the left?
We were even able to see the peak of Mount Pico “peaking” out of the clouds across the bay.
Following our Azores guide book (which gives awesome step by step directions, btw) we managed to find all sorts of little roads and alleyways to wind our way back to the seaside. We ended up on a hill above the town, looking down onto the village, and our ship majestically drifting in the harbor. Even though there’s a brisk cold wind, it’s still an incredibly perfect day to tour this gorgeous little island.
The road down from the ridgeline took us right back to the town esplanade. Since we had plenty of time, we decided to park the car and wander around the town a bit. It was Sunday though, and not much was open. We stopped at a little restaurant right by the yacht basin with outside seating and munched on some olives and cheese, washing it down with excellent Azorean wine and beer. We sat there for a while, soaking up the sun, the architecture (even dilapidated, it’s still so eye catching) and the sub-tropical garden like atmosphere.
After turning in our car, we stopped at another little café for a farewell toast (love this wine!!!) then finally we dragged ourselves back onto the tender and onto our trusty ship. Even though it was late, we were both starving (since we’d only had a handful of olives and some cheese all day), so up to the buffet we go where (as I mentioned in the first post) they had softshell crab sandwiches!!! Really??? I was only looking for a salad or something light – oh well – no way we’re turning down softshells! They were excellent too….what a treat! Now it’s nap time before we have to go and eat again. LOL.
Tomorrow – another Azores day, this time doing a little bit of nothing in Ponta Delgada!
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