Foillsichte: 19.01.2022
After a month at sea, we all needed to relax, and Horta is the right place for that.
The city of Horta is small with winding streets, sometimes a bit run-down old buildings, and very pleasant pubs.
There is a very famous and also very old bar five minutes away from the berth.
The 'Peter Sport Cafe'. I would describe it as a sailor's pub. Wooden-paneled room with a great many souvenirs from sailors and ships that have stopped in Horta. Memorabilia from 103 years. There is a lot to see in this shed.
We also went to Peter on the first evening. The atmosphere is super relaxed, everyone is just happy to sit in a warm room and not have to worry about spilled cups or plates.
There are also a lot of souvenirs in the harbor. The entire pier is adorned with pictures of crews and ships from many, many years.
On the first day, I took care of my basic needs. So, I took a hot shower and dropped off my laundry.
Wow, what a quality of life. Dry clothes, that's the shit.
How much these simple circumstances matter. It affects the mood completely, and then you sort it out and you're super happy.
On Sunday, we borrowed the captain's car. We drove around the island a bit. First, we went to the volcano crater. The volcano wasn't that big, but looking into a crater was new to me.
After that, we went to an abandoned lighthouse. Then two of us wanted to go back to the ship. We had already done the sightseeing, the volcano, Horta, the lighthouse, there wasn't much more. We had the idea of just driving around the island, stopping where we liked. Eventually, we ended up in a volcanic rock bay. Just sitting there, watching the sunset, and nothing happened. Especially Ben, our boatswain, was really happy about it. Not being at the ship. Just peace and quiet.
After that, we circled the rest of the island. Not a big island. Right on time for dinner on the ship.
I have to say, Faial is charming. It could be Ireland or something. Green hills, cows, and goats everywhere. Small houses and a very lush green of the trees. I really like it here. The climate is super mild, sun and rain all the time. It's even warmer in the summer.
Well, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Horta is the right place before heading to the Bay of Biscay.