Ponta Delgada: Part Two
Before I continue (days late) with our Ponta Delgada journey, I will share with you why I am late in posting. For days, the Captain has warned us that we would be experiencing VERY high waves. We have either had very slow internet or none at all during this storm. This video, though dark, shows the first ... and most calm, of our storm days. As you can see, the waves are level with the restaurant window... which is located on the sixth floor. Glassware, plates, wine buckets were crashing everywhere!
We had to alter our course and headed toward the coast of Portugal. The extra time meant we would miss the port of Waterford. After that, the weather was so rough that we couldn't get into port in Dublin... so two ports canceled, leaving one. We will be overnighting in Cobh (Cork), Ireland. Last night was the craziest time I have ever had on a ship. We were rocked around like a toy boat! Usually (and the first couple days) I love the waves, it rocks me to sleep like a little baby. This was a whole new experience! We rocked to the left so hard it almost knocked us out of bed and then immediately we were rocked to the right.. it was back and forth, back and forth with much force! I wasn't scare, just annoyed... As Barry described it, it's like someone tapping you to wake up every five seconds!!! ALL. NIGHT. LONG!
Sitting in front of Ponta Delgada City Hall, the archangel Michael is a beautiful bronze sculpture. This saint wears armor and is armed with a sword. The pool in front and the building in the back is a stunning setting.
The city gates known as Portas da Cidade of Ponta Delgada is three arches made of local stone. I could have taken photos for hours through these arches. So many angles, different views through each. The church in the background… a flower stand… the port… Barry was ready to move on :-)
The St Sebastian Clock Tower is located in a beautiful pedestrian area. It sits in the heart of the city behind the City Gates. Last time we were here, it was sunny and the square was FULL! It was lined with outdoor seating for drinks and food. Finding a place to sit was a challenge. Today was opposite. So many empty chairs. It must be a disappointment to the many businesses that rely on cruise ship passengers.
On a gray day, in a town full of white buildings with brown trim… this flower stand adds a much needed splash of color! Flowers brighten the day anyway but this one stood out more than usual… it’s amazing how many people stroll by and purchase a bouquet of colorful flowers. For many, it appears an impulsive move… I’m thinking if I lived where I walked by a flower stand, I would buy more flowers! Flowers = joy.
We walked and we walked and we WALKED on these cobbled streets. After seven days, it felt good to be on land. We spent hours exploring. These types of streets always make me feel like I’ve stepped back in time. Due to the lack of color, it was almost like being in a black and white movie!
If you look carefully, you can see the faded outline of our ship. It was a very foggy day! We weren’t very far from the ship but we couldn’t see it at all. Across the street from where I took this photo, it was nearly invisible. Interesting how the weather can change the feel of the town. Definitely affects the lighting for photos… If I’d been thinking, I would have just done a black and white series…
As SOON as “All aboard” was called… the sun came out from behind the clouds! We talked to so many people who went on excursions and were unable to see the lake, crater or valley they intended. One couple rented a car and due to visibility challenges, had to drive REALLY slowly… there were cows in the road so they had to be careful. I was kind of glad we decided to just stroll… With the sun shining, we went and sat on our balcony. We actually got an extra hour of still waters and no wind because we had to wait an hour for the Irish Immigration folks to join us. Their airplane was delayed :-)
