Furnas

We initially thought we'd go to the Terra Nostra Hotel for lunch and then visit the botanical garden and hot springs. However, it was difficult to find due to a detour confusing Google maps and after we ended up doing the same circuit a few times Nancy decided we were no longer having fun and we decided to head back to town. Besides, Trip Advisor reported Terra Nostra garden was under reno, the change rooms were now makeshift and the water could discolour both your bathing suit and hair orange...... pass in favor of a hot shower back at Casa da Graca. We stopped at this spot for lunch - they had a lot of the stew pots done underground in the volcano heat (cozido) and Nancy ordered the "stew soup" (of the same ingredients) at 25% of the price given the portion for one of cozido that the waiter deemed neither Doug nor I capable of finishing. It consisted of two types of sausage, some meat, cabbage, greens, sweet potato and carrots and had a bit of a smoky flavour - pretty much as expected. Doug and I agreed it was a "been there done" that tourist experience. Doug had a cheese/salami tray which was more than he could finish. We both agreed that the bread in Portugal is quite good.Read more