Top 5 Beaches on Santa Maria: #1 Sao Laurenco!

#1.  Sao Laurenco.

This is improving on perfection.  Everything that I said about Praia Formosa applies here, but the quality of everything is better.

There is a pool, for the kids or grownups.  Depends on the state of the tide.

There are rocks on one side of the beach, but they are climb-able in low tide and easy to navigate & identify in high tide.  And they make the beach look more beautiful.

The water is clear & delicious and you have the BEST view of the hills covered in grapevines.  Seriously, it is like swimming in an amphitheater-and you and the ocean are the stage!

The sun sets over the hill by 6 or 7, it is the first beach on the island to lose the light, so be warned to start your day of swimming early.  There is a cafe/bar/restaurant steps from the beach and another one just at the road.  There is another restaurant at the other end of the road, if you drive/walk to the furthest point.  That is where I had my birthday lunch, with an amazing view. And I had a dip off of the pier, straight off barnacled steps into deep water.

If you are lucky enough to stay the night, listen for the cagarros, the famous birds of the island. They are like seagulls, bbut only fly & sing at night.  They sound like they are laughing.  If you go for a walk, you might not believe it, because the birds are hard to see, you can even believe that it is the very stars that are laughing.

Top 5 Beaches in Santa Maria: #2 Praia Formosa

Okay, this beach is really just perfect.

(And yet, it is still #2)

About 15 minutes from the main town, it has gorgeous views on the approach (but most of the beaches here do).  There is an incredible cafe & restaurant steps from the beach, called O Paquote.  And if you really wanna stay away from the beach, there is another great restaurant option 2 blocks away.

The water is gorgeous.

It is clear.  The waves can vary from 10 footers that help you to fly-and only crash on the shore. Or giant surfer waves, which are also fun and slightly dangerous. I remember getting quite beaten up on this beach as a kid, but always going back for more.  But a few days ago, the water was calm enough for me and a friend (always bring a friend!) to swim out to the buoys!! VERY far & I got a little bit of a jellyfish sting on my arm & back, but I don't blame the beach for that.

Look for the lifeguards & the color of the flag.  I've been going for at least a month and the first time there was a strong riptide. There are some rocks, clearly marked, to avoid.  I've seen a few people with floatation devices, like tubes, and I've seen them float out a bit too far, but the lifeguards went after them to make sure they were okay.  Don't press your luck.

2 sets of showers, the best & the one with the lockable doors is right by the restaurant, just off the beach.  It CLOSES at 7pm, still in the midst of great sunlight.  The other set is further down, by the car ramp and is VERY open. i.e. No doors.

All in all, the best sunsets, the widest vista, the WHITE sand (on a semi-volcanic island, WHAAAT?)  It's the best "everyday" beach to visit.  Plus, it has a hotel and a campsite. If you want to spend some money to stay anywhere other than Vila do Porto, STAY on this beach!!!

But the beach is big enough to hold plenty of crowds, and this is the beach for Mare De Agosto, in late August which DOES hold lots of crowds.  Don't plan to come then unless you are ready for the fun, the crowds and the music!!

Breaking News: Portuguese Physicist to Head US Dept of Energy

The link from the Portuguese American is here:

http://portuguese-american-journal.com/appointed-physicist-ernest-moniz-to-head-us-department-of-energy-washington-dc/

(I'd add more, but I'm probably on the beach right now!)

Top 5 Beaches on Santa Maria: #3 Anjos (and Rescuing Dolphins)

On Monday, there were 3 dolphins that got trapped around/in the pool at Anjos.  After a few successful (and unsuccessful) attempts, one was released back into the sea.  The other two died.

Below is the full text printed on Facebook, plus the automatic translation.  Follow the link for some incredible pictures by Foto Pepe. I think "infurtiferas" means "beached", and I can vouch for the fact that the "so-called pool" is indeed, more than a rumor.

Numa ação de extrema delicadeza e muito cuidado, o Parque de Ilha de Santa Maria em conjunto com algumas empresas marítimo turísticas, depois de diversas tentativas infurtiferas de fazer levar um Golfinho de regresso ao Mar, tendo o mesmo de forma sucessiva, dado á costa, junto á piscina Natural dos Anjos em Vila do Porto. Foi o animal, deixado repousar na dita piscina e posteriormente levado para algumas milhas fora da costa Norte da ilha de Santa Maria, a bordo de uma embarcação. Fotos ( Foto Pepe)

http://santamariaazores.net/…/golfinho-devolv…/notas-soltas/

In an action of extreme sensitivity and very careful, the park of island of Santa Maria together with some companies tourist maritime, after several attempts to take a dolphin infurtiferas to return to the sea, having the same way, because of successive will coast, Will natural pool with the angels in village of the port. It was the animal, left to rest in the so-called pool and then taken to a few miles outside of the north coast of the island of Santa Maria, the board of a boat. Photos (Photo Pepe)

Top 5 Beaches in Santa Maria: #4 Maia

Firstly, Maia is on the far side of the island.  Not exactly literally, but DO know that because of the roads it requires, the journey is long (and beautiful).

The beach itself is within a bay, much like Praia Formosa and Sao Laurenco.  The view is incredibly picture worthy upon approach.  Also remember that this was the location of the Maia Folk Festival in mid-July.  There are not 1 but 2 cafe/restaurant/bars within a few steps of the water!

Most of the coast here is made up of natural rocks (dangerous for swimming), but a lovely waterfall can be seen at the far end of the town. You could visit just for that!

Bad news: the only swimmable water is really a sea-filled pool which has a kid size version (up to 3 feet) and an adult version (up to 6 feet in depth). When there are more than 20 people, it begins to feel very crowded. And I'm not sure the pool drains completely (the walls are kinda slimy).

But it is well worth a visit, the pool & cafe are very decent and fun. And provide a nice change from the rest of the swimming experiences out on the open ocean.  My favorite is to see & feel the waves crashing against the protected sea wall of the pool.  Stand by the railing and feel the waves; nothing better than to feel like a part of nature!

Top 5 Beaches on Santa Maria: #5 Vila Do Porto

#5 Vila Do Porto

Not the Port itself.

Go to Fort St. Bras.  Look to the left, look down.  Can you see it?

Start on the hike.  When you see a road that goes downhill, backtracking to the sea, follow it.  There you will find a tiny beach with very large rocks. Not the best, but close to the biggest city.  Perfect for a quick dip, if you dare to brave the large rocks on the beach!

Note: No cafe.  It's too small.  But still within walking distance of the port & those cafes.

Pictures to come.

Top 5 Beaches on Santa Maria: #6 Prainha

Okay, so I only know about 6 of them, so this list is slightly overhyped.

But on we go, starting with the Bonus Beach or the Mystery Beach, depending on your tolerance level.

#6: Prainha: This aptly-named "little beach" can only be reached via a LONG (3hr) hiking trail or by boat. Near Praia Formosa, but inaccessible from that beach-even during low tide.

One of the BEST places to look for fossils (as is the entire hike) and many geological studies have been made of the immediate area.  The hike that leaves from Fort St. Bras has a few stops to investigate the fossils embedded in the stone & Prainha is the last best vantage point on the hike.  (Beware of the steep hike back UP the mountain!)

That's all I know because I haven't been. Yet.

Almagreira Fest!!

Just as I thought Santa Maria was quieting down (until Mare de Agosto, anyway), I saw the lights in Almagreira!  The church was outlined in a red color, for the freguesia of Almagreira, which is known for the red outlines of houses. (Explained in a future post)

Friday & Saturday had the whole island coming out to celebrate. I had a lovely dinner of Albacore (note the ongoing discussion of whether it is "Tuna" or not).

The dinner itself was served in what in New York City, we would call a "pop-up" restaurant. Here, it is a bunch of picnic tables inside a food tent. I was surprised to find out that it wasn't sponsored or run by an established restaurant, because everything was delicious!

There were displays of typical folkloric dances, which involved young people in various traditional costumes. I even spotted someone wearing a capote! (Not in this picture, alas!)

There was even a dance around a Maypole!! (Aka Portuguese Pole Dancing)

On Saturday, they also were "playing with the Bulls", which I didn't stay very long to watch.  They put a rope on the Bulls and let them loose among men crazy enough to run in the field with them. I feel bad for the poor creatures. The people, I mean,

Parabens a Voces!!

Today is my birthday!

I celebrated last night at Cafe Mascote. A candle and a bunch of people singing to me in the center of Santa Maria!

Doesn't get any better!!

For the cartoon version of the song,

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wr-G33KsE_M?feature=player_detailpage

Clube Asas Do Atlantico

This is the all purpose fun house for everyone. It's a radio station, bar/cafe, playroom with ping pong & pool tables.

And, of course, a mini library.

2 walls full of books!! But they are all (or mostly, 98%) in Portuguese.

But I did find these treasures:

And

Which had legends and sketches.

Even the front door was a tribute to the symbol of wings.

A fun place to hang out; and a special note, my Mom was a DJ there in the 1960's!! I'm sure she has more stories to share!

SATA Flight Insurance Questions

I'm traveling & I have questions about what *exactly* insurance would buy me. Note that an Insurance page does not become an option until you have selected the payment option & there is no FAQ available for it.

Also note that if you are looking for Sao Miguel or Faial, you MUST search for "Ponta Delgada" or "Horta" respectively. Cities, not islands.  A complication for the innocent traveler.

The closest thing is their "Changes and Refunds" page, which does not indicate the time limit, just that you can't change or get a refund online.  I just spent 10 minutes on hold trying to call someone. And this was after visiting the office in Santa Maria and seeing a line of 5 people for 1 service agent. 

The nature of my question:
I am attempting to arrive at Sao Miguel on a boat at 6:30am.  I would like to then board a plane at 8:55am to Funchal, Madeira.

IF everything goes according to schedule, I know I can easily be at the airport 2 hours ahead of departure time.

IF things screw up, and I am too late for the plane, I have NO IDEA what will happen. Right now, I have an opportunity to buy a ticket for the 8:55am or for one that leaves the NEXT DAY.  The one the next day costs 30 Euros more and I will have to sleep in a hotel, which will also cost me from 50 to 100 Euros.

If I take my chances and buy the one for 8:55am, can I buy insurance to take the next plane?

If I play it safe and buy the one for the next day, can I still go to the office & try to get on the earlier flight if I make it on time? (I've done this in the US)

If I use Paypal, does it mean that I have some kind of insurance on my ticket? "allows the buyer to be reimbursed in case the item purchased online doesn't arrive" (does that EVEN apply here?).  See note below about how wonderful it is to use Paypal, but it offers nothing in the way of actually answering my question.

Paypal

PayPal is a global payments platform which is becoming increasingly popular due to the security, convenience and quickness it allows making and receiving payments online. To start using PayPal you only need to have an email address.
Now you can conveniently and securely pay for your online purchases from your computer, smartphone or tablet.
This payment system is totally free. You can simply create a PayPal account associated with a credit card and introduce the e-mail address with the corresponding password on each payment.
With PayPal your security is not neglected. Now you won’t have to expose your credit cards and bank account information whenever you purchase online. Your information is carefully stored in PayPal's database.
Another strong point is its buyer protection program that allows the buyer to be reimbursed in case the item purchased online doesn’t arrive.
Many reasons to use PayPal as a payment method for your online bookings.

RIAC & AtlanticoLine Boat Planning Annoyances

I LOVE boats.  My great-grandfather was a whaler (or so I'm told).  I am planning to travel to Madeira, and would prefer to travel by boat.  Apparently, you have to go from Lisbon and it is VERY expensive. Even if I can't do that, I'd still like to visit Faial by boat, where my Mom & her family grew up.  I visit AtlanticoLine, the only boat option.

There is a special offer. The Blue Sea Pass, 3 islands Roundtrip for just 108 Euros.

"GREAT!" I think to myself, I'm going to spend time on the water & understand what it is like to approach the islands like the ancient sailors did.

I'll go from Santa Maria (where I am now) to Sao Miguel (it's a different boat) to Faial.  And when I come back, I'll stop at Sao Miguel (to take the plane to Madeira, the only direct option) and come back to Santa Maria.

Frankly, I've done the boat trip before, even done a cruise of the islands, booked a room onboard & everything.  I am already aware that the boat doesn't travel everyday & that there are stops that last for hours on some islands.  It is not the easiest means of travel or the most flexible.  I am aware that one leg of the journey will be 13 hours. And coming back will be 23 hours. (LONG stops included)

(You are welcome to stop reading here.  The rest of this post is a detailed rant about just how difficult it was to buy the ticket.  I LOVE the islands, why doesn't the RIAC/Atlantico Line Office want to take my money??)

Apparently, the online system makes it too difficult to purchase this package.  I can purchase ONLY a round trip deal for 2 different dates.  If you are visiting 3 islands, does it not make sense to also include a way to indicate the arrival/departure dates for the 3rd island where you WANT to stay?

The online system also returns results in a confusing order. I ask for August 10th and get results listed as
14-8
10-8
12-8

Why would the date I request be the first result anyway?  Wouldn't I rather travel later? (the website seems to think so)

So I went to the RIAC office itself.  And just spent an HOUR trying to figure out how to buy a ticket for what I actually want. The Very Patient Woman behind the counter put my entire schedule into the system.

My proposed travel itinerary for 3 islands:

Santa Maria>Sao Miguel>Faial>Sao Miguel>Santa Maria

The Very Patient Woman helped me to figure out THEIR required itinerary for me to pay 108 Euros for the "3 Island Special":

Santa Maria>Terceira>Faial>Sao Miguel>Santa Maria

How many islands do you see above? 4, count 'em, FOUR!!!!

The annoying part, it is EXACTLY THE SAME BOAT trip. The schedule includes a stop in Terceira for 12 hours. 2pm until 2am, no matter where you want to go, you have to get off & spend money in Terceira.

Unfortunately, even with this modified version, the computer system didn't allow the purchase.  The "Purchase" button that SHE was seeing was grayed out.  She called twice & seemed embarrassed, but asked that we come back tomorrow, while she tried to "massage the system" (it sounds better in Portuguese).

At the end of the hour-long visit, I still didn't have my tickets.  I was also annoyed that the AC didn't work.  Frankly, I was frustrated enough NOT to visit any other islands. Or if I did, it would be by airplane.

==

Afternoon Update: Price on SATA:146 Euros, Sao Miguel to Faial, with a stop in Terceira!

2nd Day Update: They called, told me (in English) that everything had been figured out and I could go back to purchase the tickets. We spent another hour in the office, looking at a grayed out button.

3rd Day Update: They called me again, at 11:45, when they close for lunch at 12.  I returned later that day. I gave up fighting. I paid my money.  I got my ticket. I went to the beach.

I plan to write a letter & call to complain.  After my trip is over.  I don't want anything else to go wrong!!

Main Street of Vila do Porto

Just some random pictures.

From Avenida de Santa Maria.

Cobblestone streets with images of ships inlaid on the sidewalks.

Modern structures across the street from quaint/deserted houses. 

Old trees and former town fountains line the main road. Across from this is a church.

Okay, but not the church above. This red church is at the high point of the street.  My family had a house at this end of the street, when they had arrived from Faial, sometime after the volcano in 1958.

Above is the main government offices on the oldest square. Against the sunset, nothing is better. (Other than a festa!)

Anjos Beach & Snack Bar

This beach is the last to lose the light, so this is the best to have dinner or cafe while watching the sunset.

The cafe is very stylish, and close to the beach. And saltwater pool. (While I was there, the seaweed was a bit overwhelming, so double check for a green flag before going swimming there!)

There are also columns which decorate the plaza, offering a visually stunning display of architecture against the rocky skyline.

The sunset view is peaceful and amazing.

Additionally, the road has the statue of Columbus & the chapel doorway (see previous post) so if you are inclined to take a walk (10 min at most), you can walk off your dinner quite easily.

I was there for the Blues Festival as well. No shortage of amazing sights in Anjos!!

Massachusetts towns with Portuguese Populations

 I still read Facebook to keep up with the news back home. (Once upon a time, I used to read the New York Times, but their paywall has annoyed me into mostly forgetting that they exist.)

Today, I came across a list of the "Worst" places to live in MA.  Created by looking at crime, income & unemployment. And not taking into account anything else.

What leads the list? 

New Bedford.  Fall River. Taunton is on there too.

http://www.roadsnacks.net/places-in-massachusetts-that-need-a-hug/

From the pictures, I'd say, yes, they look familiar & representative. Also, they remind me of other places like Newark.

I don't understand all the socio-economic issues that would come into play that would make Portuguuese people choose towns like these again & again. Because each has a significant Azorean population. I just remember seeing these places as a child and wanting to get away from that kind of influence.

Is this the America that we've been looking for?

Columbus Monuments on Santa Maria

B

First of all, Columbus never got off the ship.

His sailors did. And visited a chapel, to pay tribute to the god that helped them to survive the storms across the Atlantic.

The only thing that is left is the doorway.

There is a cross at the top of the hill. Which can be seen from the doorway. Legend has it that the chapel was to be built at the top of the hill.  But the stones moved to the bottom each night, until the builders gave up and decided that God wanted the chapel to be placed somewhere else. 

 Interference of elements like gravity or creative workers are not recorded.

Santa Maria Blues Fest: Maria Joao

Held in Anjos, this Blues festival has been growing every year.

It is run by a group translated as "The Slaves of the Little Jail". Every year there is a reenactment. 

I think it's an interesting parallel because American Blues came out of the slave tradition. Even decades afterwards, there was little recourse for an African American man, other than music.

Walden; Ou A Vida Nos Bosques

My biggest fear when traveling is to run out of books. I call it "Abibliophobia".

The second biggest concern is to run out of books in English. But as my language skills improve, books in Portuguese can become teaching tools. At least that's what I tell myself.

But finally, I ran across Walden in translation! 

I grew up next to this pond (or 8 miles away), and learned how to swim there.  I have loved Henry David Thoreau since I can remember.  And somehow his philosophy matched very well with my mother's sense of nature. She'd talk about the Azores and how to live in harmony with the Earth.

Somehow, this book was never anything new to me, although I am constantly surprised at how many people are challenged by his message.

Go live by a body of water. Enjoy the world around you, big & small. Be quiet & enjoy the silence.

Dark Side of Portuguese History

Portuguese history is long and complicated.  The longer I am here, the more persistent it seems to be. You can laugh off an inappropriate joke or two.  But sometimes, the Portuguese are on the wrong side of history.

It includes the Nobel Prize winning scientist who invented the lobotomy.

Also years of colonialism all over the world.

Also disrespect for women (and "people from the colonies"), it does not SEEM to be overt. But it remains in the jokes I hear, and the critiques my uncle gives to the women on the street when he is in his car. And I am next to him. 

It is all a perfectly natural part of life here, and I am the outsider who is witnessing it. I was trying hard not to act shocked, but it has been persistent enough & I can't take it anymore.

Where is the line between "it's just a joke!" And someone testing your tolerance or trying for the shock value?  I've even heard jokes that insert a rascist spin.

A captain & his 3 sailors are on a sinking ship. The lifeboat will only hold 3, and the captain doesn't believe in going down with the ship.  He asks each a question to determine who can come.

"What was the worst shipwreck of civilian passengers during peacetime?"

"The Titanic", one answers. He gets on.

"How many people were killed?"

The second sailor offers the number (in the thousands) and gets on.

The captain then turns to the third sailor and says:"Name them!"

I have heard that joke before, as above.  The way my uncle told it, the third sailor was black.

Ugh.

Hiking Trail from Vila to Praia Formosa Competed!!

It was amazing!! From the main town, to the best beach, it is about 3-4 hours on the trail.

DO NOT go when it is a hot & sunny day, or if you have to, go early in the morning. I am here to report that I survived, even though we left at 3:30.

There is No Shade.

Also, as a person who hates bugs & poison ivy, I had a great time. No bugs (except flies in the caves) and no poison ivy, just a few vines with thorns here & there.

The trail is not well traveled, except by cows or goats. Make sure you go with people (and a GPS), even though we were well prepared-there were many points on the trail where we thought we were lost or that seemed like dead ends. I crawled under barbed wire at one point (beware of the caca de vaca!!) and at the end, we gave up and went to the road/miradouro-viewpoint (and saw to our surprise that the trail markets were indicating a trail along the road!)

All in all, it was hard but amazing! (Again, hard going uphill in direct sun but most of the trail was flat-ish)

Starbucks in Lisbon

Primeiro!

The cafes here are awesome. You can get a shot of espresso for .50 to .60 cents and sit as long as you want.

Secondly, the coffee they use in the Starbucks in Lisbon is Delta Brand. Which is the same brand that most cafes use. You pay Starbucks prices.

Just know all that going in.

There is a very helpful sketch at the front of each drink and why you should pay so much.

They do not keep the varieties of milk out by the sugars, because here it is an unusual request. They have everything on hand & will make you whatever you want.

All I wanted was a drip coffee (cafe con sacque) which they had to brew special for me. It was the largest coffee I've had here, but called a Tall back home.

It was worth it. I haven't had that much caffeine at one time in a while and it made me happy. Double espressos from now on!

 

Preparations for Imperios in Sao Miguel

If you are traveling from Lisbon to Santa Maria, it is highly likely that you will have a  stopover in Sao Miguel. 

Especially if you fly with Ryan Air.  We left Lisbon at 9 and arrived in Sao Miguel at 12 (2 hours plus the 1 hour time difference). Our flight to Santa Maria would leave at 6:45, so we had the full afternoon. 

Usually, I am/we are lucky enough to call a family member to come pick me up and maybe we have lunch. Today was no    different, except that I saw something unusual in the main square.

 

It was a giant crown, complete with lights.

I've seen these in the hands of little children during processions. I've seen the arrangement in the gathering hall at the end; representing each town/community/fregesia.  

Proportionally, I've seen really large ones, and really tiny ones.

I've never seen any THIS big.

Could it be that São Miguel likes to show off? ;)

---

Flying to Santa Maria was beautiful, as always. 15 minutes in the air (or 3 hours by boat) it may not have the above, but it is still beautiful in scale.

Expo Cable Cars, Just Like Flying!

If you find yourself in the Expo '98, be sure to ride/fly on the cable cars!!

You are impossibly high and have a great view & orientation of the entire Expo area.   Get on near the aquarium and ride all the way over the various gardens (there is a display of each kind of zone) and also exhibit buildings.

And when you are done, you can go to the Vasco de Gama Mall, and get back by taking a bus, train or metro at the huge transportation hub across the street.

*Not sure if the aquarium is fabulous or not, although it looks incredible from the outside. I only had time to visit the gift shop. :(

Look for the submerged icon of the Expo, right outside.

Divertida-Mente

I just saw the film "Inside Out" in Faro. In Portuguese. The biggest news is that I cried. 

No, wait, that's not news at all.

The news is that I understood it enough to cry.  There were a few words here and there, but for the most part I got it, and even a bunch of the jokes too!

For someone who still has trouble following a grown up conversation in Portuguese, I was happy to recognize at least one measure of success.

Tavira, Algarve

Tavira is the Venice of the Algarve. 

(Except it is not sinking)

I found festa decorations and a public square performance piece about a shipwreck.

Gorgeous town by the side of the river.

Hotel Faro Cafe at Midnight

If it is a very hot night in Faro, and it is highly likely that it will be very hot in July, go to the highest spot you can find.

For me, I was lucky enough to know the granddaughter of the most famous chef of the Hotel Faro.  He's long since retired, but the spot is still incredible.

We came on a Sunday night and practically had the place to ourselves. 

We sat outside & enjoyed the breeze. And the view of the pier. And the Old Moorish town.

You don't have to stay at a luxury hotel to have a luxurious experience.

The service was good, friendly and speedy.  And when I asked for a gelao, (my favorite cafe word, a small latte) and a glass of ice, the waiter didn't blink. However, he brought me a double espresso (abatanado) instead, he brought steamed milk & cinnamon to the table. I never thought I'd be a coffee snob, but the cafe drinks are never more than 1.50 Euros.

Happiness indeed.

Life is all about being able to deal with mistakes. If it's too hot, find a cool spot, if your coffee order is wrong, they fix it with a smile. 

Farol/Lighthouse Island

Spent the day on a beach island. As if the regular Algarve wasn't party central enough.

The Moorish Influence on Faro

Walking through Faro today, getting lost by myself and wandering with family, I was amazed by what I had forgotten and what I remembered.

The immediate area around where I am staying is layered with family history.  Decades of generations of cousins living here.  And I am still trying to find the place where my father proposed to my mother!

Ketchup Americano and A Portuguesa

After a day of visiting Lisbon & taking the train to Faro, I arrived happily at my uncle's  house.

And was most surprised to find 2 kinds of ketchup on the table. (I was surprised to find it here at all!)

And then there was this:

Isto e mas piquante. 

This one is more spicy! ;)

Michaelense Museums and Factories

On my way to the mainland, I took a puddle jumper from Santa Maria to São Miguel early in the morning & left late at night.

That meant that most of the day was spent touring the island with my uncle, who knows lots of secret spots.

One of the best spots was the Museum of Immigration. Because guess what they have right outside? An impression of Dightin Rock!!

The exhibits are in both English & Portuguese. And had lots of familiar looking memorabilia.

And it's free!!