Final Days on the Praia

Yesterday Tio Armando drove us up to the mountains and we got to see another view of Praia. There were lots of cows and it was amazing to see all the land that is separated with walls of lava rock. The land on the hills from a distance just look like squares on a map. The work that had to go into building these walls just amazes me. It’s equally amazing that the cattle stay within these walls because they really are not very tall.

My mother’s sister Ana and her husband Jose arrived from Canada. It was so great to meet them after all these years of receiving letters and Christmas cards from them. They are very gracious and over the last few days we have enjoyed getting to know them.

Today we went shopping in Angra. My Tio Armando bought my sisters and I each a gold charm, that said “remember your Uncle” in Portuguese. It was very nice of him. It would be hard to forget him. He has been a huge part of our experience here on the island.

Tonight we plan to go to town center for a children’s parade. This will be the third one we have been to since we’ve been here. Tia Alice likes to get there early to get a spot for her chairs. We then go to the café next door and get the best ice cream I have ever tasted. So far my favorites are banana chocolate and rum raisin. You can get a small cup for just one euro.

My sisters and I got these t-shirts from the Sagres Cerveja Company. On the back in Portuguese it says…. Nao Me Chateies Estamos Na Praia! Which means, “Don’t bother me, I’m in Praia” That pretty much sums it all up for us! If you see me wearing this shirt, you know where my thoughts are so, “don’t bother me."

Tonight is our final night with family. I am sitting at the marina waiting for my usual “Sagres” My sisters are having Sangria. After the sun goes down we will go to Serra do Facho to view our beloved Praia at night. I anticipate many tears as they have already been flowing off and on throughout the day.

Tomorrow we will be in Boston and I will update you further with pictures of our dear Tias and Tios.

Ate Amanha (Until Tomorrow)

Maria Tres Da Silva

Manly Matadors?

Alright, so it’s been a few days since I’ve sent anything. The internet here is less than satisfactory, but oh well…. So where do I begin?

The bullfights: In the attempt to be manly men the Matadors and Cavaleiros did their thing; making the Azorean men roar wild in their seats at the arena. I was only impressed with the smooth moves of the horses and the Cavaleiro. I was more interested in the costumes worn by the men who were trying so hard to look manly. The only manliness I saw was the obvious packages that they made no attempt to disguise. The costumes themselves I believe were designed by the maricas (homosexuals) of the islands. No disrespect intended.

We spent some time in Biscoitos, which will be further explained in my sisters’ entries. It was beautiful.

We went to a winery there which was very nice. The wine was very good. I will bring some home if customs doesn’t take it from me.

I have bought more than I can afford in jewelry, but it will be worth it. Hopefully customs won’t tax me to death.

The merchants in town have gotten to know us. They want to rent me space to open a salon. The price is very reasonable. I would seriously consider it if my children were grown. I think I will have to spend my summers here. I can get work here easily…..

Be prepared, I am an Azores Island girl through and through and I have found my home…….

My family, they are the best! Our Tio Armando or as my sister Teresa calls him “Our Man” is the best! This experience would not have been the same without him.

Tia Alice is the best cook ever and is responsible for the 10 pounds I will be coming home with. But, I have to tell you every pound was worth it! She is passing her recipes on to me. I feel honored! Let’s just hope I can make her proud!

More later

Maria the tres “da Silva”

Maria the third….. da Silva

Food, Family, and Fun!

Bom Dia!

Today is day number five on the Island. So far we have partied a lot. The Festas bring out mobs of people at night eating and drinking until the wee hours of the morning. The attitude about drinking is much different here. Everyone drinks, but nobody gets drunk. The beers are very small so people don’t over indulge. We eat these things that look like beans. They are called “Tremoco”. They are salty with a slight garlic flavor and are better than peanuts with beer.

In the cafes we have espresso or cappuccino with queijadas which is like a Portuguese cup cake, but not really. It’s hard to explain. My favorite is coconut, and the feijao (bean) with cinnamon. You cannot get anything “to go” which forces me to really sit down and take in the whole experience. “Slow and Easy” as dad would say.

My Tia Alice is an amazing cook. Everyday she gives me a new recipe. Don’t ask for them though, I am sworn to keep them in the family. For breakfast we usually eat fresh bread, cheese and fruit. For dinner we eat fish or meat with vegetables from the garden and of course vinho tinto (red wine). Alice has labeled me a trouble maker. I think she means this in a good way. She says I remind her of herself when she was younger.

My Tios Elmiro and Armando are so funny. They are big teasers. Armando has been the driver for my sisters and me. We are having such a great time with him, laughing like little kids.

It has been really great watching my mother in her own element. She is much more social and comfortable here. Everywhere we go she runs into people on the street that recognize her from their younger years. The people are so friendly here. Everyone gets hugs and kisses. All the girls are “Maria’s” and all the guys are “Manuel’s” It’s sort of a joke. My Tio Armando calls me Maria da Silva.

Yesterday we went to Angra which is the “big city". We walked around the parks, checked out the view from Mt. Brasil, and of course stopped to have espresso and cerveja.

Remember to check out my sisters' links. They will have different photos and information to share.

Adeus,

Maria da Silva

Looks Like we made it!

So after 24 hours of traveling, I am finally out of my Larazapam coma and living among the native Azoreans. Today my we spent about six hours walking the cobblestone streets in Praia visiting the home where my mother grew up and the store front where she worked when she met my father. We also visited the church where they were married, but we'll have to wait until Sunday to see the inside of the church. Getting internet access has been much more difficult than we expected. We had to walk down the beach and sneak into the office of a marina to get access to their wireless network. So I have to hurry before the Policia arrive. :-) Here is a picture to start with. Hopefully there will be more to come. Please visit Dorothy and Teresa's links below for different pictures and other details about our day.

Adeus,

Lisa "da Silva" :-)

I'm leaving on a jet plane..... Don't know when I'll be back again..... Oh Babe I have to go!

Just two more days until we depart for our beloved Island. My mother and brother Edward have been there already for five days. My sisters and I have been calling the Azores everyday. Hearing my brother Ed's excitement is contagious. Dorothy, Teresa and I have been preparing our final days in the U.S by getting our hair done and having our toes painted. We are ready for the beach and anything else that comes our way.

We leave our family and friends behind with some anxiety, but these Azores Island Girls need this time to refresh our minds and our spirits. When we return be prepared, for these Portuguese girls will be a force to reckon with! Stay tuned, this adventure is just beginning!

Praia da Victoria

This is my mother's home town. If you look toward the right side of the photo you will see the church where my parents were married.

Where in the world are the Azores Islands?

Many of you have asked me where exactly the Azores Islands are. Hopefully this picture will give you a better idea. I can't really rely on my geographically challenged brain. So hopefully this will give you a better idea. Our Island is Terceira. We will be in the town of Praia da Victoria which is on the far East end of the island. If you look at the globe you can see where the Islands are in relationship to the continents.

Time is flying by. I am getting less anxiety now, and more excited. I am still trying to save as much money as I can. I hope to bring home jewelery and tiles. What they have to offer in the Azores is unlike anything you could find here in the states.