Trip to Madeira and Sao Miguel

Day 12 - Monday, February 26, 2024 - Sete Cidades and Lagoa de Fogo

Went to the bakery before breakfast so we could have some good pastries along with what the hotel served. Met Sam, our guide, at 9:00 with our first stop at the Augusto Arruda Pineapple plantation. Here we learned all about the steps to growing pineapples which differs from other countries. We also found out that this crop was grown after blights on their oranges and after tobacco wasn't profitable. We also got a sample of pineapple liquor. Next it was on to Morro Das Capelas where we learned about the whaling industry that had existed in this area. Sete Cidades, one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, was up next and it did not disappoint. The 2 lakes formed by the volcanic eruption and the caldera were stunning. We made a couple of other stops in the same area to get different vantage points of this picturesque area. Then it was time for lunch. Lagoa Azul, had an impressive buffet with beef, pork, quail, different types of fish, salad, rice, potatoes and of course all the wine you could drink followed by dessert. The tour continued at Ceramica Vieira, established in 1862, where we learned all about the steps in making ceramics - either molded or thrown. They did have a gift shop but we didn't buy anything. Another one of the amazing views was from Lagoa do Fogo. Mulher de Capote, a liquor maker, showed us briefly how they made their liquors. Then there was the usual tasting. Ron did buy a bottle of the anise. Ron finally got a chance to put his toes in the Atlantic at Praia de Santa Barbara, a black sand beach popular with the surfers. It was another busy day where we saw almost half of the island - the western half. Tomorrow we'll tackle the eastern half.

Pineapple Plantation