Some more about Sao Miguel – post by Susan Noeller

The volcanic region of  serves something of an entirely different nature: food cooked in the “furnas”, volcanic holes with steam and boiling mud. At exactly 12.30pm, you can see the pots being pulled from the muddy holes. A “cozido” – a pot containing chicken, beef, pork, sausages and different vegetables – is usually left to stew there for 5 to 7 hours at a temperature of 70C. This is what the locals call the “real slow food “

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“furnas”, volcanic holes with steam and boiling mud.

Pulling the big pans out of the ground

digging out the pots of meat.

Cozido

The food as you get it served.  It gets delivered to a local Restaurant and served to customers, I believe over  300 meals a day.

This Lagoa das Furnas is also know for its springs you can drink from.   I drank from several,  they are known to have medicinal purposes.   I can use all the help I can get lol

Drinking the thermal water

water to drink from the ground.. each taste a bit different

The pond where people did geothermal baths

this is a bath the warm water is to be have medicinal purposes as well.  Many swimming here.

and the landscape is to die for .. Flowers everywhere, Beautiful lakes formed by the Volcanos… Hope you enjoy!

Tea plantation

Volcanic lake

Flowers

Azore Island – SÃO MIGUEL – Portugal, post by Susan Noeller

Centered in the North Atlantic….is a grouping of 9 islands called the Azores.  All the nine islands of the Azores Archipelago are  volcanic origin.   I personally think this is like the perfect place on the earth!  hahah    Beautiful!  nice weather all year, not a lot of tourists.  Life is great here!  People are amazing!   Wow!   This first island is called  – SÃO MIGUEL, We hired a guide and went fishing.   Cody caught a White Marlin, the first day.  These are difficult to catch as they are wise to the bait on the fishing poles.   The second day he caught barracuda.

White Marlin being cleaned, filets. They took to the restaurant to cook up. The rest goes to feed area people that could use a bit of help.  Cody is eating the freshest Sushi he has ever had  lol

 

Sintra – West of Lisbon – post by Susan Noeller

This is a picturesque Portuguese town just west of Lisbon.  Cooler climate there compared to Lisbon allowing amazing gardens as well as Palace’s and Castles to see!

A few photos – the First is Quinta da Regaleira ornate gothic façade, but the real attraction is to the rear with the enchanting gardens and secret tunnels..

Pena Palace -flamboyant palace, that was commissioned by an artistic king who wished the building to represent that of an opera.  Each section of the palace is in vivid colors and amazing stone work.  REALLY a treat to see this!

Portugal – Lisbon and Guincho Beach

Lisbon…. is such a beautiful city, the people, not enough can be said for how wonderful and helpful they are!   I am truly amazed how welcome we feel!   The food? Simply outstanding!  Wow what a special place on earth.. So happy to be here.

Post by Susan Noeller

sometimes things just catch your eye..

Pretty View overlooking Lisbon

Guincho Beach, a good friend told me his favorite beach.. so had to go see.

Guincho Beach

Guincho Beach