A Day at the Museum

Today we are dealing with a slight lack of motivation. The island is so full of Americans. And the view on Google Maps shows red and yellow road lines at the highlights even at 9:00 AM. That takes away some of the excitement. Oh, what a relaxing time we had on the previous islands. On São Miguel, however, it's total chaos.

At breakfast, Schahaatz and I sit like Waldorf & Statler (from the Muppets) and analyze the breakfast. There is definitely room for improvement here. The lady making the omelets is very meticulous about maneuvering the omelet in the pan. And in the time our 2x2 fried eggs are setting in the pan, she managed to cook two omelets and our toast with white beans had already gone cold.

Getting coffee is also difficult, the ladies walk around with pots that hold 3 cups of coffee; coffee pots on the table or a coffee machine would be more useful. I also think cereals should be with the fruits and yogurt, not with the bread. Just some luxury problems. After Schahaatz finishes his 4th cup of coffee, we set off.

Since everything at Sete Cidades is said to be crowded, we approached it backward and randomly visited a few points. In hindsight, the best choice ever.

Santo Antonio

By chance, we drive to Miraduro das Cumeeiras, Schahaatz had just passed the inconspicuous sign and decided to turn back after 5 minutes of driving.

 

Since we didn't have this viewpoint on our schedule, we are fully surprised by the grand view.

Back to the coast to Mosteiros. Over an ice cream and coffee, we enjoy the view of the toilet house and the sea.

Another stop at Piscina Natural. The sun is blazing from the sky, so the cooling is very welcome.

At the beginning, the waves were still small, but they became increasingly larger and the pool fuller. Schahaatz couldn't tear himself away.

After 1.5 hours of swimming, followed by drying off and a color change process, we have to slowly move on. The famous Lagoa Sete Cidades is still on the agenda.

Facts:

Lagoa Sete Cidades translates to “Lake of the Seven Cities” and is a lake in the crater of the dormant volcano Sete Cidades. The lake consists of two parts: the larger northern part Lagoa Azul and the smaller southern part Lagoa Verde, which are connected by a narrow passage over which a road bridge runs.

According to a legend, the lakes were formed from the tears of two lovers. A princess had to part from her beloved, a poor shepherd who had unsuccessfully asked for her hand, to marry a man chosen by her father. They met and kissed one last time where the lakes now touch. From their farewell tears, the two lakes were created: the blue from the tears of the princess's blue eyes and the green from the shepherd's green eyes.

The view from the crater rim over the lake is regarded as one of the island's greatest attractions. And attractions have the disadvantage that it gets very crowded, parking spots are scarce, and you even have to pay (at least that’s what it said in a comment). We just park at a spot beforehand and walk a bit.

The path is a real challenge

and we decide to take the road back.

At the edge of the volcano stands the ruined hotel of the former 5-star hotel Monte Palace

Facts:

It seems to be unfinished, but just 30 years ago it was the most luxurious hotel in the Azores. The hotel was built into the hillside to take advantage of the view of the Atlantic or the colored lakes to attract many visitors. However, it was abandoned in 1990 and was only open for 18 months. The Monte Palace was awarded the best hotel in Portugal in the same week it closed its doors forever. The owners had to file for bankruptcy. After the closure, a guard and his dogs were stationed there daily for 20 years to prevent vandalism. But in 2011, the guard stopped getting paid and left.

The locals began stealing everything from the abandoned hotel, even the elevator! All that remains are the concrete walls, the roof, and the floor. The hotel is full of graffiti and debris.

Just then, with the arriving bus full of retirees, who suddenly move surprisingly fast on their feet, to the viewpoint

and then back to the car.

On the way home, we catch another crater lake picture from a different perspective, Schahaatz flew the drone again over a forest toward the lake and then that🤩

When we return to Ponta Delgada, we are greeted by flower-adorned streets.

The flower band on the street is typical for the Festas do Espírito Santo – a deeply rooted religious and cultural festival in the Azores.

But now off to eat. Today we dine at Han Table BBQ. We grill ourselves at the table.

Wow, that was delicious. With a wonderful meal and a nightcap at the hotel bar, we end this otherwise perfect day.