Ponta Delgada

May 6

Ponta Delgada was shrouded in fog and clouds as the good ship Independence of the Seas pulled into harbor.  Two days ago two spots opened up on a waiting list that had been closed for two months and we secured the last seats for an excursion to an area called the Caldera, famous for two lakes which lie back-to-back  (pictures in  a few minutes). 

Mom and I had been up in the mountains to see that incredible site several years ago and it was rainy and overcast and just a bad day to sightsee a sight that depends on bright sunlight for its full effect.  With fingers crossed we boarded the last train out  of Clarksville (just a bit of humor thrown in for all you lovers of an old singing group, The Monkees).  Actually it was the last bus and as we drove higher into the mountains the fog and clouds began to lift.

It didn’t clear up completely, but it was a better view than we had seen before.  Coming down the mountain we were on the side of the Atlantic Ocean and the views were spectacular.  I’m sure Bonnie’s notes will give you a full description of the sight of the site and of the history of this incredible stop.  Somewhat disappointed, we nevertheless enjoyed our two hour bus ride, with  two photo ops.

When the bus returned to the dock we wandered into town instead of immediately gaining the ship.  We walked a bit down familiar streets and stopped in two souvenir stores where we spent 3 euros 95 cents.  One of the euros was for two postcards of the aforementioned lakes.

Back on board we had lunch in the Windjammer and then retired to 2409 for another two hour nap.  We are getting rather good at these two hour naps.   Featured back at 233 Woodland Drive they will completely exhaust Star Wars Episodes 1-3, Rogue One, and Episodes 4-7.  Political commentary: Episode 8 is the worst of the Star Wars movies ever made, even worse than the attack of the Teddie bears, and Episode 9 is just disgusting.

Supper tonight featured fish and chips, the fish advertised as being coated with a tempura batter.  All of you cooking competition fans, and good cooks, know that tempura is a very light batter made with rice flour.  Well, I don’t know what this was but it was not tempura and the batter out-weighted the fish.  Bonnie and I both peeled it off of the fish, mine then dipped in tartar sauce and hers in ketchup (not sure if it was Heinz or not, but that’s the way I speeled it).

Now it’s back to the  room where I’ve rehearsed for tomorrow’s talk, “The World’s Greatest Treasure Hunt,” and Mom is crocheting, soon to come to the keyboard.

Oh, before we came back to the room, she went to one end of Deck 5 where she refilled her drink, getting more  Coke Zero and I stopped at Guest Services, and when joined by Bon, we ordered chocolate covered strawberries sent to Karen and Michael, the couple who gave us their table in the window on the two nights they went to specialty restaurants.  It was a gesture we felt deserved a special thank you.

And now some photographs:

Green in front, blue in back, but the colors only come alive when there are no clouds blocking the sun.

The next two pictures, out  of order on the Atlantic side going back to the ship.

A derelict hotel, went bankrupt, bought by Chinese years ago to be refurbed. Still empty.

Okay, I’ve shared my thoughts -- and been tortured by this computer which back at 233 may be converted into a boat anchor) and now, for your reading pleasure, here is my beloved.

TTFN

Here I am finally! The day started at 7 am. Alarm had been set because we needed to be in the theater at 9:30 to catch the tour. We completed our necessary cleaning and dressing and headed to the Windjammer for breakfast. Not much. A few slices of bacon, some fruit and a spoonsful of blueberry yogurt and a carton of chocolate milk which I had to sneak off the trolley in behind where the food was put up and out. There were only 4. Must be running low on chocolate milk. I don’t every drink the whole thing, way too sweet, so I brought back the leftover back to put into the fridge.  I will use it tomorrow to take my morning pills.

After leaving the Windjammer we walked out onto deck 12 to see the city. We had docked earlier than expected and people were getting off at 8:45. We went to the room gathered our Euros, jacket because it was very overcast and cool and raining slightly. He had on 4 shirts and I carried a sweater in my backpack for him if he got cold. I also had 2 umbrellas in the backpack. I had my jogger on. We got to the theater early and were only there a few minutes till they called our number 12! We headed out to the bus. Our bus was delayed leaving because the ticket stubs did not match the head count. To many heads not enough stubs. They queried over this about 10 minutes and then we headed off. Don’t know if they ever figured it out.

  We were literally the last 2 people to get on the bus. The first 4 people had hopped into the handicapped seats, no they weren’t. So it looked like we would be in the very 2 last seats in the back. But two ladies 3 rows back who were sitting by themselves moved to their respective window seats and offered the outside seats to us. We were side by side sort of. The ride was up and up a very narrow windy, curvy road. I held on to the handle on the seat in front of me in an attempt not to crush the lady beside me. An hour ride holding and grasping the handle was not fun. Couldn’t see out the side window but could see pretty good out the front window. We finally arrived at our destination. The guide says you have 15 minutes to look and take pictures. Oh by the way no potties available and none till we get back to port.

We looked and took pictures and enjoyed the foggy view. But the rain had stopped. I had been warm on the bus so I took off my jacket when we got off and left it off. We rode about 30 minutes and then stopped at an over look at a small lake in a crater , 10 minute picture opt. Then back on the bus and back to the port. The guide was very knowledgeable and informative. He told of the history, vegetation, economy, life style. They are part of Portugal but autonomous. They had an airport, schools and college. You can study for most things but after two years if you are studying medicine or law you must go off the island to finish your work. Right now tourism is the third major source of income but the guide thought in years to come it would be number one. They don’t import fruits, vegetables, beef or milk. In fact they don’t need to import any foods. They have plenty of fresh water. There are 250, 000 people and 500,000 cattle on all the islands. Impressive. And we saw quite a few of the cattle.

Well when we got back we only walked around about an hour. We headed to security to put our bags through the scanner and go through the beep beep. Of course, I set it off. I said 2 knees and a hip. He said after scanning me, “Oh shit”. I don’t know why.

Back on board we went straight to Windjammer without stopping at go, to our room or bathrooms! He was in a hurry!! We ate some stuff. He decided he wanted ice cream after eating sso we got a cone. Remember I am still carrying everything we went off with! [editorial comment: those of you who know my wife know she refused my frequent offers to take the load off of her shoulders.]

Finally back to our room and naptime. Had to wear my mask because I was snoring again.

When we got to supper at our usual time, 4:40. There were no other guests. But by the time they opened the doors there were more guests. Dinner was okay. The dessert chocolate mousse was delicious, no sugar added of course.

I went to fill my cup after supper and then back to the room. He studied and I crocheted. I will be finished project number one in the morning. Then, I will begin project number two. We turn the clocks ahead again tonight, so tomorrow we will 5 hours ahead of you. I think this is the last time. His talk is at 12 and in the theater, YEAH, so I don’t think the time change will affect his talk.

Well, it has been a good day. I hope to do a walk tomorrow morning after breakfast after he goes to the room to study. Then, I will meet him at the theater.

One sea day and then 2 days in Lisbon. We might even get some gelato.

Love and miss you all!

Mom, Granny and Bonnie

PS: Karen hope you and Frank had a good day!