1st Port of Call Azores

After  6 days at sea we  sailed into Ponta Delgada  on the island of  Sao Miguel,  Portugal.


This  lush green island is accented by white buildings  with dark trim.Perhaps the green seemed all that more beautiful after so many days at sea. Can understand how ancient mariners   were so happy to see these volcanic islands which are 9 in number  and 800 miles  west of Portugal.


very misty morning   , did see the  striking   very blue and green  lakes side by side.

harbour of Ponta Delgada
 

 Via bus we  travelled up  picturesque landscapes  to  Sete Cicadas and crater Lakes.




 So impressed with the   meadows fringed with hydrangea. Not in flower yet tho  as I was there in  April so instead azaleas  and bird of paradise and many other  flowers   were  in bloom

 

We visited Antonio Borges  Botanical Gardens , grottos, winding pathways,  fern gullies,  large magnificent trees.



Pineapple greenhouse

huge 

The brief  taste of this wonderful  island  makes me want to go back for a longer visit.

Next port of call Lisbon.