April 15, São Miguel
Our first visit this day was to Furnas, in the central part of the island, and Terra Nostra Park. The park features a thermal bathing pool with water from volcanic springs, sort of their version of Iceland's Blue Lagoon, except we were warned that the water was brown from iron and other minerals and it may stain fabrics. Some of our group did go into the water, but we chose instead to explore the beautiful botanic park, with winding paths, small waterfalls, and a grotto where we saw a pigeon building a nest by flying back and forth carrying one twig at a time.
Then it was on to the Furnas Lagoon, where the locals use the heat from the fumaroles to cook large pots of Cozido das Furnas, a stew "cooked in a volcano". Quoting The Portugalist, "The creation of Cozido das Furnas starts with assembling a diverse mix of meats, including various cuts and blood sausage, alongside vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, and carrots in a pot, without adding any liquid. Instead, the natural volcanic steam is solely responsible for cooking the contents."
After seeing the heavy pots containing our lunch being lifted out of the ground, we continued to a restaurant where we were served the stew. To be honest, I had expected it to be more flavorful and tender than it was, but it was good, and the meal was fun.
On our walk back to the bus, Mafalda showed us the "upside-down house", which is just a fun-looking enclosure for some electrical equipment.
Our last stop of the day was to the Gorreana Tea plantation and factory, where they both grow the tea and process it. It was interesting to see the old machinery they use, and the various steps for drying, sorting and packaging the tea. After the tour we were invited into the beautiful home of the owner's family, Sara and her daughter Margarida, to have tea and cakes.
