19/03/2024
As a solo-travel enthusiast, what a remarkable journey it has been! I set sail on a 16-day cruise aboard the Sky Princess on March 9th, embarking on a delightful voyage across the North Atlantic for 6 days. The experience was filled with perfect weather, opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and leisurely reading on the sun-kissed decks. I even managed to finish reading a fiction novel for the first time in a year!
Our first stop was at Ponta Delgado, São Miguel, the largest of the 9 islands in the Azores, Portugal. This island, home to 134,000 residents and 300,000 cows, contributes 40% of the country's milk production. The lush green hills hosted many contented cows grazing on the emerald pastures. I heard rave reviews about the delicious steaks, and learned that male calves on dairy farms are raised for beef rather than being slaughtered as young calves. The island's active volcano, although dormant for 6,500 years, along with its hot springs, contributes to the constant condensation and cloud cover, resulting in year-round rainfall. The native wildlife includes bats and a unique species of snail, while the Common Buzzard serves as the only bird of prey, albeit smaller in size compared to the California Condors. The island was adorned with blooming azaleas 🌺, and I found the abundance of Japanese Redwood, cultivated for production in the Azores, to be intriguing. I indulged in a comprehensive all-day guided excursion to the island's top attractions, including Ribeira Grande, Furnas valley and town , Parque Terra Nostra botanical gardens and hot springs, making it a day full of exploration and discovery.
