Olá e boa noite! I just wrapped up my two-week stay in Ponta Delgada and wow did that ever go fast!
The second excursion I went on, last Tuesday, was a nighttime hot springs tour and it didn’t disappoint. There is a lot of volcanic activity on São Miguel Island which produces sustainable thermal energy. The thermal water found in the Furnas Valley is high in minerals giving it a sulfur smell. We stopped to see some of the springs before hitting the thermal pools.
Then, we stopped for dinner at a local restaurant that was prepared beneath the ground utilizing water vapor originating from Furnas volcano geysers (Cozido das Furnas). All the ingredients are placed in a pot, which is placed and buried in the ground next to the Furnas boilers, with an average cooking time of five hours. And paired with, you guessed it – more wine.
After dinner, it was on to the thermal pools! I have to admit, I didn’t take many photos out of fear that I’d drop my phone in the pools. That would have been epically bad. The group of people who were on my tour were mostly from the U.S. and also from Malta. They were absolutely awesome and we're all friends on the ‘Gram now, following each other’s travels.
The thermal pools were made up of several individual pools so you could hop around to different spots. The best tip I received from a work contact was to take a bathing suit that you didn’t mind getting ruined. This is because the water is heavy in minerals and iron and can stain your suit. The Airbnb’s also have darker colored towels they wanted you to use specifically for the thermal pools for that reason as well.
Even though it was a bit rainy and we couldn’t see the stars, the excursion was an amazing experience!
I spent the last few days in PD just working and trying to get out as much as I could. The weather didn’t cooperate much but when it did, I hit the town. It was so freeing to just wander the streets aimlessly and take it all in. The food and wine have been out of this world amazing. I may come home 20 pounds heavier but I truly don’t care. And the people in PD are also extremely friendly. This is a town I could get used to!
My next stop takes me to the little town of Relva, which is about 10 minutes west of PD (on the other side of the airport). I’m excited to call this place my home for the next week as I wrap up my time in the Azores. One last tour tomorrow of the West End…
Amor e luz (love and light),
MW
❤️ Have fun, stay safe!