The Log of Severance (1986 Tartan 34-2): June 2008

Angra Do Heroisma,Terceira
Date: Wednesday 06/18/2008
Weather: Sunny

Because of our decision to stay in Terceira, we had a number of practical things to take care of today.

First thing - breakfast. We went to a cafe that Eric and Robyn had found that, in addition to hearty Portuguese food, had light quiches and baked goods that Robyn and I were longing for. As usual Scott went for the hearty.

Scott ordered it, but I will testify that the cream of lettuce soup was delicious.

Next, Robyn and I needed to book a flight to Sao Miguel. Then Scott and Eric wanted tickets to the bull fight. Finally Robyn was determined to get a poster of the festival. They were up in every store window, but no one was willing to part with them. They did not appear to be for sale, we were told that you had to get them from the chamber of commerce (or Portuguese equivalent).

The flight was easily handled and we got a 30% discount because we flew SATA coming into the Azores. It was quite reasonable.

The bullfight tickets were another matter since we happened to hit the start of their siesta time. We had about an hour and a half to kill, during which we window shopped. We Americans are not used to waiting. Between siestas and being closed on Sundays - this was a different kind of life!! . (Scott fit right in, he wanted to go back to the boat for a nap, but we restrained him.)

This is the window of a bakery that had a little bull fighting scene made out of meringue. Note the men holding on to the bull, controlling it with ropes. And the little bull fighter using the umbrella, which they use when they are doing the running in the street. The arena bull fighters use the traditional capes, of course.

When the bullfight ticket office finally opened we somehow negotiated with a ticket officer who spoke no English. Through sign language and the use of a printed seating chart of the arena, the guys managed to score some very good seats. Robyn is leaving her camera with Eric in hopes of getting some good bull fighting pictures.

We also saw a stack of the posters and Robyn attempted to buy one. The proprietor happily gave her one of each design, free. Mission accomplished!

After that we went our separate ways on our own walking tours. Scott and I took the high road going up west of the marina.

We saw the area where they were setting up carnival rides for the festival.

We walked along the old fort and had a beautiful view of the marina and the beach next to the marina.

The guidebook called the marina an eyesore and a modern insult to the history of the city. I beg to differ. As much as I loved the old world charm of the city, I think the marina and it's surrounding area were modern, tastefully done and very aesthetically pleasing.

Even the laundry in Angra was picturesue.

Eric and Robyn took the opposite side of town.

Mirrors for seeing traffic around the corners of the very narrow streets.

A tribute to Eric's New York family: Lynn, Theo & Phoenix.

This is a beautiful garden in the center of town that Eric & Robyn found.

For dinner we decided to look for a really nice place since we were nearing the end of our vacation. We found it at a four star hotel restaurant called Beira Mar (Sea View). It had an outdoor patio with a beautiful view high above the sea.

Scott ordered his usual, octopus. Robyn tasted it and fell in love with it. She picked away at it all night. Scott tried to defend, but he was no match for her.

Eric ordered Grouper Rump. An interesting menu choice that he couldn’t resist. It arrived in a clay pot, like a pot roast, and it was a big chunk of grouper (I'm guessing from the back end of the fish). Lots of bones, but very good. I had a meat and shrimp kebob and Robyn ordered a seafood special (that caused the waiter to smile and say "good choice", like, what does that mean??) that featured the biggest prawn you could ever imagine.

And lots and lots of good Pico wine!