Before this cruise, I had not heard much about the Azore Islands. I guess they are a vacation spot for Europe, much like Hawaii is to America. It is a group of nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. We docked in Ponta Delgada. It was our first stop on our cruise, exactly one week after leaving Florida.
We felt blessed that all three of the Sundays we were gone, we were on land and could attend church. This was Easter Sunday.
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| When we went to get off the ship to go to church, we found this colorful Easter display at midship. |
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| We took a taxi to church. We arrived a little early and found it all locked up behind a gate. The elders soon arrived and let us in. |
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| The little chapel. It reminded us a lot of the chapel we served in Tsuruoka, Japan. The big room serves as a chapel and a multi-purpose room. |
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| This sweet sister was from Bonners Ferry, Idaho and knew one of my roommates from way back when. There were two elders, two sisters, and a senior couple serving in that branch. About 30 people were in attendance. |
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| This picture is out of place, but it shows the little green bowed package of candy(on the desk) one of the local sisters gave everyone as we left church on that Easter Sunday. It contained Portuguese candy. |
After church, we decided to walk around town and make our way back to the ship. It was a beautiful, pleasant day. We first walked through a beautiful, local park.
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| Ken enjoyed the birds |
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| A huge banyan tree in the middle of the park. The missionaries told us it is a popular meeting place in town. |
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| A beautiful local government building |
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| This city is known for it's street art- An upgrade from graffiti. |
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| We saw, but didn't go in an old fort from the 1500s. |
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| Our ship |
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| In the summer months, there are several swimming holes along the shore where people come to swim and cool off. |
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| This day was a little windy and chilly, so no swimmers today! |
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| City center clock tower |
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| Monument of an explorer who discovered the islands |
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| Gates of the city |
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| The cobblestone mosaic floors were beautiful |
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| Our big ship |
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| Another view of the fort |
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| The ship |
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| City hall |
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| More street art |
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| Side of city gate, looking toward city hall |
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| Chapel from the 1500s |
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| Narrow cobblestone streets |
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| Museum |
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| A little park outside the museum |
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| Another chapel |
As you can see, it is a city of beautiful architecture. We enjoyed our short stay and walk in the Azore Islands.
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