The pleasure of traveling is being able to take it easy when you want.
And today is one of those days!
We rested part of the morning.
Then, due to primary needs, we crossed part of #Praiadavitoria to go to the grocery store to get some food. Unfortunately, we can't live on love and alcohol alone... uh, fresh water!
Well, parenthesis for the family, it's a joke. Of course we drank alcohol on vacation, but we were very reasonable. I thought I was funny this morning, that's all. End of parenthesis.
On the way to the grocery store, we saw a small alley with an outside market. In fact, several small shops open onto a small inner courtyard: A fruit and vegetable store, a fishmonger... It was hot all day. Although it was not yet noon during our walk, we wanted to wait before stopping to buy in these small markets. Carrying bags full of food for several minutes leads us to think about logistics. We bought groceries, bought bags of ice for the cooler and went back to the little market for fruit. I have to tell you, with the ice packs, we couldn't wait to get to the boat.
Travelling on a boat's more enjoyable pleasures is to be able to spray yourself, cool off directly on the dock, with the garden hose, then eat some food and take a nap. La vita è bella! There are still however some hard work moments like washing the outside of the boat to remove as much salt as possible. We were quick to notice the difference between sailing in fresh water and salt water. I spotted a rusty screw on the boat. Louis was quick to explain that it was probably fake Stainless or at least low end if it rusted so fast. Don't worry, it's already been replaced.
We then go for a ride in the dinghy (inflatable boat). But this time, I'm the one "driving". Just holding the helm, well ok, the electric motor stick, reminds me of the feeling of holding the helm on my sailboat: pulling the stick left to go right. Well you will tell me that it is not the same. I say. But I had this feeling for a few thousandths of a second, which made me smile.
We haven't had the dinghy for years. We bought it last year for our trip around the island of Newfoundland (see future posts on this subject, as soon as I have time to write them to you) and we only used it once, to my recollection, to get from the anchored boat to the beach. So, I'm not super comfortable going long and far from the sailboat without knowing how long the battery lasts. I happened to have to row with another team member (during a delivery trip a few years ago) when the gasoline engine of our dinghy stopped while we wanted to go see the Statue of Liberty (New York) closer to evening/night. We each rowed part of the way back to the sailboat and I have to tell you that when it was my turn, things didn't go as I would have liked. It looks like I have one arm stronger than the other, if you know what I mean. So I don't want to relive that experience right away.
So I tried to stay in the bay not too far from the boat, then Louis told me that I could go further and that it was not a problem if the battery emptied, we were going to row (... ). It takes what it takes as they say. So, to be able to see and have new experiences, we decided to test the battery a little more. The only thing Louis told me was not to leave it at maximum speed to save battery power. We agree that the maximum speed of an electric motor does not blow your mind, but since we are not in a hurry, I reduced the speed and we even left the protected bay to go to the other side, directly in the ocean.
Again, do not imagine that we have reached the continent. We simply looked at the landscape of the breakwaters and the cliff in the distance and we returned. The motor showed energy for still half of the battery. So we went back to the boat and there was still energy when we arrived. I am therefore reassured for the next expeditions. One day I will still try to put it at maximum power to see how long we would have... or I can find an instruction manual I imagine, but that's less fun.
Before preparing dinner, we feel festive and we open the tequila. Louis adores the Patrón. 2 shooters each and we're ready to make dinner. I say "we", but it's Louis who will do most of the work, I'm looking for the ingredients for a homemade chili. Oh how I missed my boyfriend's meals! It's the first meal he's made us since the beginning of our journey together. The family steak was good too, but due to the time we ate it, my stomach kept me from fully enjoying it.
After the shower, we take the direction of the dessert tent. Louis, who generally does not have a sweet tooth, tries a stick of puff pastry there. For those who don't know, my boyfriend is a #foodie and he just found a rare pearl. Oh let him savor his dessert. I already know that we will go back several evenings to get some. And we are not the only ones. Several kiosks with mainland companies are in this tent. For the most part, it is sweet delicacies that are presented. I must tell you that you have to be patient to have access to these capotes/claudios because almost every evening there is a long line in front of the kiosk. Many people buy more than one. Often, they even leave with a small box filled, so we have to wait for them to make others. There are 2 large ovens and 2 hotplates per oven. Just to let you know how much people love and want these capotes/claudios, 3 of the plates are for that. The other plate is for other desserts. Well, I imagine sometimes there are more plates for the other desserts, but that's to tell you how much these little sticks are appreciated. A quick digression here, we were told they were capotes, but on the web I see the name claudios, so I'll say both to make sure that if you ever ask for them, you can try them.
I liked them too, of course, but it's less sweet than what I usually like so it's "ok" the first time I taste it but no more. But every time I take a bite or two of it, I told you that Louis would go back often, I discover something that I like more and more. In fact, what I like the most is the caramelized side of the dough and Louis captivated by his dessert. I didn't think, didn't want to ask them for the recipe, it's much better to keep the mystery, but if one day you go to Lisbon or to the Festas da Praia on the island of Terceira... Stop and take a capotes /claudios from O capote pastelaria! You will not regret it.
Another parenthesis this time, compared to this festival of the Azores, the employees of the shops/restaurants who are in the tents, at least several of them, come from the continent. For O bonnet, the employees who were at the kiosk all worked for the Lisbon company and were passing through Terceira for the week of the festival. Despite their long working hours, it's not an easy festival, they had a smile and had fun together, even the boss was there with them. Really a great team and delicious products. O capote will remain in our hearts and Louis will long dream of his favorite dessert, capotes/claudios!
For those interested: www.facebook.com/ocapote
We returned to the boat afterwards, but as we saw an impressive amount of people gathered, what am I saying, a crowd in the street, we went to see. It's probably a parade that happens because we hear music in the distance. It's 10:30 p.m. When it reaches us, there is a band preceded by dancers who dance and sing a traditional song. Really happy to have been able to attend this. This music will stay in our minds for a long time.
We return to the boat and we can still hear the planes landing at 11:25 p.m.
The last show of the evening (morning?) on the main stage should start at 3:30 am. Yes yes, started! I already know we'll have an easy night! If you're wondering why we still go to bed early, usually around 11 p.m., it's because we hope to be asleep before the music starts. Because if you have to get up at night to go to the bathroom, it's a long time before you can go back to sleep with the music. So, a good night is a night where you don't wake up!
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