Voyager of the Seas: Ponta Delgada
Up and off the ship early, it was time to search for a Christmas ornament. My travel tree needs a new addition! First sight of R. dos Mercadores was inviting. Cobbled streets always catch my attention. Lined with shops and restaurants, I figured I’d be picky about my selection… venture off the beaten path. Just a note, for those who cruise and have not visited this port… it’s an easily walkable stop. Some, a tour is needed because of logistics. Ponta Delgada is very walkable. Sticking nearby, you can easily view what I am currently posting… in the past, we have walked up the hill a bit to enjoy a neighborhood park. Later, we venture out further.
The lovely lane leads us to the plaza area where the arches and a church can be found. On previous visits, the church has been closed, so I’ve only been able to enjoy it from the outside. Not today! This will be my first view of the insides…
Doorways are always intriguing to me… so far, this is as far as I’ve been able to explore of Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao, the Catholic church. Again, it appeared to be closed but upon further inspection, the side door was open. Kind of makes me wonder if I could have entered on other visits! Something I will never know… anyway, these two doors sit side by side along the same wall. Made of basalt found on the island, these are crafted in the Baroque style. Very eye catching from afar…
Facing the doors to the church, I back away and turn left to go around to the side. Just setting up shop, a florist carefully places colorful flowers on the cobbled pathway and begins to feed them water. Thirteen years ago, I first visited this island and witnessed the same morning routine.
Waiting… missing out on seeing inside, time after time… was worth it. After so many visits, I was awarded with something new to see! From the outside, stark white walls with dark brown trim, classic architecture seen in Portugal… on the inside, all the ornate aspects of European cathedrals. Built during the years of 1531 and 1547, Manueline style (ornate) was in fashion. Over the years, this beautiful structure has undergone many style changes.
Above the rows of pews, crystal chandeliers formed lines from the front to the back of the room. Incredible craftsmanship!
Small, but extraordinary, here is a view of the chandeliers lined above the pews. The contrast of a variety of woods against the white walls created a rich feel. In other European churches/cathedrals, more tile, stained glass and cement seems to be used. This was equally as elegant!
Two additional areas of Igreja Matriz de Sao Sebastiao that intrigued me… the photo on the left includes a very old and over-sized hymnal, while the photo on the right is the area to light a candle and say a prayer. Many stopped by to do just that during my visit. Clearly, this church attracts visitors, but it is home for many locals. Several walked through with arms full of groceries and stopped to pray, before heading about their day.
Boarding the alter, this chapel is representative of several around the church. Each with their own source of natural light. With the rest of the nave dimly lit, the perimeter glows majestically. No matter how many churches and cathedrals I visit, never am I bored. Each one is unique and has its own special character. Of course, in every city around the world, I will continue to hunt down new houses of worship!
Certain places we change drastically between visits. While other places remain simple… the same… There’s something comforting about that. Maybe it’s comfortable rather than “comforting”. This little flower stand is a perfect example. Ordinarily, we cross the Atlantic at least twice a year, most years more than that. Each crossing requires a stop in either Ponta Delgada or Funchal, Madeira. Returning to this location for over a decade and seeing this adorable stand, brings me joy. One year, we took a carriage ride around town. Looking back at photos, I realized, we met the “driver” and got on the horse right in front of this stand. More focused on the experience of our ride, I didn’t really pay attention to the flowers. In the following years, it ends up in a photo or two… and this year, it is the focus of my photo.
Just past the flower stand, walking parallel to the shore, stands a statue of Archangel Michael. Interestingly, Ponta Delgada is the capital of Sao Migue, one of nine islands that make up the Azores. The statue, fountain and pool sit by the Town Hall. Every year, there are healthy growing flowers in the bed decorating the entry area. Each visit, they seem to be different colors so definitely replanted when winter is over.
Built in the 18th century (1783 to be exact), Portas da Cidade (City Gates) is an important landmark. Three arched gates act as the entrance from the sea harbor/cruise port to the old town of Ponta Delgada. Decorated with the Royal Crown and the city’s Coat of Arms. Each time we visit this port, I am anxious to revisit this spot. It’s days like this that I realize, I need to be bringing my camera on my travels again. I’ve become lazy and just use my iphone, but it’s just not the same. Next trip!
Walking back, I was so distracted by people watching and all the sights… that it took me awhile to notice that I was passing by a series of houseboats. Cute, individual units, that are quite small but also very unique. Curiosity got the best of me and I looked them up… not sure how the link will work but it appears they can be booked on Booking.com. Using different dates, I found that in the summer, it is about $300/night and in the fall, around $200. Breakfast is included… not sure how that works. Here’s the link: Home Boat Company Ponta Delgada
Heading back to the ship, the pathway was busy. Being a walkable port, many ventured out on the own rather than a tour. This made the area near the ship, slightly congested. As a way to avoid the crowds, I walked this narrow pathway that hugged the shore. Every year, we see new artwork… usually someone is actively adding to the works. Boat owners paint something significant to their vessel. It has moved onto the rocks just to the right of the pathway… bordering the water. For now, my mini-excursion is over. It’s time to take a break, grab Corey and head out for something new…
