Hello Franz, Karl, Bozenka, Alcha, alias hello Kafka, Čapek, Němcová, Morštajnová.
And this is how it may sound to your ears in time. Just get started.
Want to learn how to write? Maybe not as well as those mentioned above, but at least enough to make your writing readable? To express, feelings, emotions, to be set
in a story? So that the story holds together and the reader can keep reading from beginning to end and not fall asleep in the middle? And at the same time want to experience a piece of exoticism? To take a dip in the ocean into which a lava spring rises? To see one of the world's most beautiful sights, a steaming and bubbling land, and much more?
Then you've got it right. That's exactly what we're offering you.
Who?
Monika Hodáčová, documentary filmmaker of Memory of Nations, lecturer, author of the self-development book "I can still take off" and book interview with doctor Milena Cerna "Good people hold the world". She regularly writes texts for Post Bellum, Psychologie.cz website, as well as short stories published in the magazine Žena a život (Woman and Life) and short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity" and "The wrapping time".
Miroslav Tichý - a bit of a man on the fence, a misfit, occasional traveller and also co-author of the short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity"
and "The Wrapping Time. Creator of the website www.textgulas.cz , where he stores his published and yet-to-be-published writings.
What do we offer?
A combination of a creative writing course interwoven with the experience of exploring Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago.
You can look forward to:
- morning creative writing sessions
- writing texts not only about the trips we took
- peer feedback, both from the tutor and from other course participants
- afternoon trips and excursions around the island
- unexpected experiences while getting to know it (have you ever played football in someone's backyard in the Azores?) - optional 😊.
- dolphin and maybe even whale watching
- swimming in the sea, pools or under waterfalls
- and at the end of the day, writing a short story through the eyes of a whale, or how a whale sees its stay in the Azores?
In short, you can look forward to experiencing as you write.
What do we promise?
That you will have fun and that you will learn something in the process. That you will leave with some great texts, experiences and the feeling of a week well spent.
What don't we offer?
We don't offer bookish advice like - anything goes, write with your heart, etc. We figure you know this stuff and there's no need to charge money for it 😊. We do not offer a classic commercial tour. It'll be cool, but don't expect a rehearsal. We try to look for and offer slightly unconventional experiences, like swimming in the night ocean into which a hot lava spring rises under a starry sky to warm you up, swimming under a waterfall, or maybe attending a football match of the 1st Portuguese League (optional 😉 but a great experience).
What we don't promise?
That you will become Kafka, Čapek, Němcová and Morštejn. They can, but that guarantee is never there. Writing is a combination of hard work, talent and, of course, luck these days.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See below to read what the course content is. The rest of the itinerary is devoted to trips and other activities.
How the creative writing course will run
There will be 5 morning creative writing workshops of 2.5 hours each during the course of the course. The workshop will not take place on the day of arrival,
on the day of departure and on the day of the day trip.
Each workshop will be divided into learning the theoretical basics that you can apply to the creation of any text, the writing of the texts themselves and finally the feedback. Honest feedback is an essential tool for creative writing and will give you ideas for reflection, improvement and a sense of acceptance.
Course Content
● The proper proportions of any good text
● main idea and motivation
● character portrayal
● engaging description
● lively dialogue
What you will learn in the course
● how to build a compelling text (description, plot, dialogue, punchline)
● working with details
● what are the most common mistakes in writing
● ways of reducing and improving text
● how to get the main idea across
Who is the course for
● Anyone who enjoys travelling and writing and wants to develop their creativity and intuition through a combination of these activities
● anyone who wants to bring back not only memories but also unique texts from their travels
● all those who want to impress with their texts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important note: the order of days and activities may change, depending on the weather, to ensure both quality teaching and visits to all promised sites. We may even stretch the classes in case of rain or fog and cut or skip them at times when the weather is ideal for a trip. In any case, we will do our best to make sure that the promised scope of instruction is fulfilled.
Today we spend the day transporting to Sao Miguel Island and transferring to our accommodation. The time difference is minus two hours compared to the Czech Republic, the day will be a bit longer and the flight will feel a bit longer against time than when you are gliding along. Therefore we will just move to our accommodation and do some shopping on the way. In the evening we will get some basic information about the course, the program and get to know each other better.
On the second day we will focus on exploring the island of Sao Miguel, specifically looking at the capital city of Ponta Delgada. We will see the square, the church dos Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, walk the waterfront and harbor, and relax in the gardens of Botánico José do Canto or Botânico António Borges. We will also visit the nearby pineapple plantations. We will end our day of discovery with dinner at a local restaurant.
The capital of the Azores.
The Botanical Garden of Jardim Botânico José do Canto is a beautiful garden that can be walked through in about 1-2 hours.
The Jardim Botânico António Borges is a garden near the Jardim Botânico José do Canto. It's a bit different, definitely worth a look. There is no entrance fee. In the garden you can sit and refresh yourself in a small café.
Plantação Ananases A Arruda is where pineapples are grown in the Azores. In the local greenhouses you can see pineapples in various stages of growth. In the adjacent shop you can buy some souvenirs and pineapple goodies. By the way, do you know how long it takes for a pineapple to grow into the shape we know it is on the shelves? It's 3 years.
On the third day we will follow the motto, nothing is to be rushed, and so the name of the day, Čajíček, is indicative of the nature of the activities we will be doing during the day. In addition to the aforementioned tea tasting and a visit to the plantations and factories associated with its production, we will visit Praia dos Moinhos beach in the village of Porto Formoso, where we can swim and refresh ourselves with local drinks at a nearby bar. Those who can't get enough of drinks or the sea can go for a swim under the nearby Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall. If there is time left, we can take a car along the coast to a nearby village called Maia, where there is an approximately 3 km long circuit around the seashore with the possibility of swimming in a natural swimming pool near the village.
The Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall is located near Praia dos Moinhos. The waterfall is a short comfortable walk from the car park. You can swim under the waterfall.
The Tea Porto Formoso tea factory is one of the more famous and widely visited places on the island, but it's still easy to walk around and explore. There is no entrance fee. You can walk through the factory, see not only the machines in operation (it's not a museum, but a working factory), but also the women who hand-pick the tea leaves. It is admittedly a strange feeling to walk past them and realize that what the tourist perceives as an experience is their daily routine and livelihood. Anyway, the women are used to the passing tourists and only notice their work. During the harvest season, it is possible to see men harvesting on the plantations. During the visit, it is possible to buy local produce and even taste the tea for free. There is always some ready. There is also the opportunity to walk around the adjacent plantations. The circuit is about three kilometres long and has about 100-150 metres of elevation gain.
If the experience of the course, swimming under the waterfall and touring the tea plantations is not enough, we can end the day with a walk along the coast in the village of Maia. Maia is a small village near the tea plantations o the path along the coast offers beautiful views. It is about 2-3 kilometers long walk with the possibility of swimming in a natural pool. There is a possibility to have a dinner together in a restaurant.
There's nothing better than after a refresher course. Don't worry the course won't teach you how to write weak poems like this, but the weaker the rhyme, the truer it is.
Today, the fourth day of our stay, so we'd rather skip the morning course and spend the time we would normally spend writing stories, listening to the tutor and self-educating ourselves at sea. We will go to Ponta Delgada, where we will board a MobyDick boat and ride the waves of the Atlantic. And while we're bobbing, we'll admire the dolphins and, if we're lucky, the whales that like to come to Sao Miguel Island at that time of year. The whole trip should take around 4 hours, including the journey from the accommodation to the boat. The experience can then be shared together on Santa Barbara beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. The black beach, more than 1.5 kilometres long, offers the perfect setting and is a hub for local surfers. Only in wilder weather is it better to be cautious and use the town's pools or the nearby Praia de Santana beach for swimming. The ocean here can be very strong. Those who don't want to swim can explore this typical Azores coastal town
and have a bite to eat, for example, at the Alabote restaurant on the coast.
Today we will not stay in the capital, we will go straight to the MobyDick tourist company located in the harbour and board the prepared boat and go to the above described experience.
Santa Barbara is a beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. As mentioned in the description of the day, it is a black beach about 1.5 km long, which is the center of local surfers. We can take a swim, or if we're lucky, see some wave breakers.
Ribeira Grande is a typical Azores seaside town, full of narrow streets, shops, parks and typical buildings. It has its classic unhurried atmosphere and is well worth exploring, at least around the square and adjacent park. This is an hour or two at most.
On the promenade there are city pools, as an alternative for those who don't feel like tackling the waves of the Atlantic
The fifth day is called the Monte Palace Hotel Open Day and we will visit one of the most beautiful viewpoints not only in the Azores, but in the world. This is the Vista do Rei, a viewpoint into the Cete Cidades caldera, at the bottom of which lie two lakes - Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. After enough loving, we will attend an open day at the Hotel Monte Palace, whose fame lasted only 13 months.
From the hotel we will drive to one of the island's biggest tourist attractions, the famous Miradouro da Grota do Inferno viewpoint. If the weather is good, we will have a breathtaking view of Lagoa de Santiago and Logoa Rasa, with the town of Cete Cidades and Logoas Verde and Azul in the background. Once we have filled our senses with this view, we will leave with a short stop in Cete Cidades to the town of Mosteiros, where we will enjoy the sunset at a local sunset bar. After sunset, we can sit back and enjoy the day with a glass of wine or other drink.
And it's not over yet!!! When the sun escapes over the horizon, we'll go to load up in the ocean at a spot where a hot lava spring rises into it. All under a starry sky and the twinkling lighthouse of Farol da Ponta da Ferraria. A headlamp, towel and swimsuit are essential for this trip.
Vista to Rei: One of the most photographed places, not only in the Azores. The viewpoint is said to be one of the ten most beautiful in the world. I can't confirm this because I haven't seen all the viewpoints in the world, but it really is beautiful. Ready for your eyes as well as your displays 😉.
Here we tell the story of the destruction of this hotel.
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is a classic highlight. The Charles Bridge, Karlstejn or the Deep of Sao Miguel Island. But it's definitely worth a visit. There aren't many views like it in the world.
Sete Cidades: a town at the bottom of the caldera of the same name. Cete Cidades offers many leisure activities, whether it is boat rentals on site, a visit to the local church, or a walk around both lakes - Lagoa Verde (which can be bypassed completely with swimming) or Laogoa Azul, where you can walk up to the tunnel that opens onto the road above the village of Mosteiros. The tunnel is about 1.2 km long and can only be walked through with a headlamp, very good footwear and when there is little rain. Anyway, you can at least take a peek and see the light at the end of the tunnel 😉.
Mosteiros is a small town where we will end our day and see the sun over the horizon.
Whoever expects that after sunset nothing will happen and only bed awaits him is mistaken. We'll go for a swim at the Spa of Ferraria. There's a hot lava flow into the ocean. During the day, the place is quite busy, so this trip and one of the highlights of the stay is scheduled for the night. Swimming should be done in privacy and in the hottest possible current. I highly recommend the experience 😍.
Who doesn't know the famous New Zealand series from the 1970s. Today, we're going to see one of those smokey mountains.
And it's to the town of Furnas, famous for its thermal springs. And not only that. We'll also visit the famous Terra Nostra Park, where you can take a dip in a thermal pool with orange-coloured water and walk through the surrounding park full of flowering trees and bubbling rivers. After visiting the park, we will head to a place called Caldeiras, where we will remember the famous series. It is a place where boiling water bubbles up from the ground and the air is permeated with a pervasive smoke with a typical sulphurous smell. Depending on the time, we can visit the Pico do Fero lookout point to see Furnas and the surrounding area in all its glory and possibly stop for dinner beforehand.
The Terra Nostra Park is a famous park in the town of Furnas. It is a rather large park full of streams, beautiful corners, flowering trees and plants, which includes a large pool with mustard-coloured iron water. Of course, pleasantly warm 😉.
The town of Furnas, is a town in the eastern part of the island. The so-called city on the volcano. In the town there are several thermal pools, the Terra Nostra park and the Poca da Beija pools. Not far from the town, but also in it bubble the Caldeiras. In some of them they prepare Cozida, a famous dish of meat, potatoes and vegetables. WARNING: It is not included in the itinerary. Preparation usually takes six hours or more.
Poça da Dona Beija - five natural thermal pools in Furnas. Tickets can be bought at the beginning of the trip. Groups to the pools are limited and the set time is for 1 hour.
View of the town of Furnas and the adjacent Lagou das Furnas. The lagoon can be walked around in about an hour to an hour and a half.
We will spend the seventh and last day on the road. It's called a sightseeing day and we will try to see as much of the eastern side of the island as possible. First we will head to the village of Faial da Terra, where we will park and make our way to the Cascata Salto do Prego waterfall. After visiting the waterfall we will return to the village of Faial da Terra, take a short break and time to explore the village. The village winds along the river of the same name. At the bottom, it is possible to swim in the pools or jump off the pier into the sea. Next to the pier is a small, sandy and rocky beach. After exploring the village, we take a return trip around the northern part of the island. First we stop at the Farol do Arnel lighthouse. We will leave our cars at the top and walk to it on our own. Why?For a simple reason, the road to the lighthouse is so steep that just walking down to it is an experience. Driving is strongly discouraged, although locals do drive. From the lighthouse you can see the Cascata do Ribeira do Tosquiata waterfall. After the hike back to the car, we move on to the town of Nordeste. A very nice place that deserves an exploratory walk. It is also possible to visit the small zoo there.
Depending on the time, we can end our journey with dinner in beautiful and peaceful Nordeste.
Faial Da Terra is a small village in the eastern less touristy part of the island. The village is the starting point to the Salto do Prego waterfall or to the village of Sanguinho.
Trip to the Salto di Prego waterfall and the village of Sanquinho. The path is about 4-5 kilometers in circuit and the total elevation reaches about 200 meters.
Farol to Arnel. A lighthouse near the town of Nordeste, famous for the slope of the road leading to it. It is not advisable to drive down, but to see the lighthouse, the adjacent village and the waterfall with your own eyes, on the contrary.
Town of Nordeste. A pleasant sleepy town on the east side of the island. It is possible to explore its streets, buy some snacks and have a coffee in the peace of the beautifully lit church. A visit to the small zoo is also possible. There are also restaurants in the place. It is possible to end the day with a mass dinner.
The eighth and last day will be devoted to moving home. In the morning we will have breakfast with the owner of the house and review the course and excursions.
You have been getting feedback on the course, now it will be time for yours towards us. After breakfast together, we can head into town for some last-minute walks and any purchases of goodies, either in the form of souvenirs or in the form of delicious Azorean cheeses, etc.
What to write in conclusion? How to conceptualize the ending? Or is it an ending at all? Who knows ? Anyway, just as there are endings that are thought out and punctuated, there are endings that are open-ended and without a punchline 😀 . And this is one of them. Because where something ends, something else begins again. This may be one of the most annoying clichés, but it also carries quite a bit of wisdom.
And so, thank you for coming with us, for spending what I hope was a pleasant and useful time with us. As well as the experience, you'll take home your polished texts, so you've certainly learned something new. At the very least, every thing can be viewed from many angles and if we want to understand each other, in writing and in life, it is good to keep that in mind.Míra Tichý and Monika Hodáčová
Hello Franz, Karl, Bozenka, Alcha, alias hello Kafka, Čapek, Němcová, Morštajnová.
And this is how it may sound to your ears in time. Just get started.
Want to learn how to write? Maybe not as well as those mentioned above, but at least enough to make your writing readable? To express, feelings, emotions, to be set
in a story? So that the story holds together and the reader can keep reading from beginning to end and not fall asleep in the middle? And at the same time want to experience a piece of exoticism? To take a dip in the ocean into which a lava spring rises? To see one of the world's most beautiful sights, a steaming and bubbling land, and much more?
Then you've got it right. That's exactly what we're offering you.
Who?
Monika Hodáčová, documentary filmmaker of Memory of Nations, lecturer, author of the self-development book "I can still take off" and book interview with doctor Milena Cerna "Good people hold the world". She regularly writes texts for Post Bellum, Psychologie.cz website, as well as short stories published in the magazine Žena a život (Woman and Life) and short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity" and "The wrapping time".
Miroslav Tichý - a bit of a man on the fence, a misfit, occasional traveller and also co-author of the short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity"
and "The Wrapping Time. Creator of the website www.textgulas.cz , where he stores his published and yet-to-be-published writings.
What do we offer?
A combination of a creative writing course interwoven with the experience of exploring Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago.
You can look forward to:
- morning creative writing sessions
- writing texts not only about the trips we took
- peer feedback, both from the tutor and from other course participants
- afternoon trips and excursions around the island
- unexpected experiences while getting to know it (have you ever played football in someone's backyard in the Azores?) - optional 😊.
- dolphin and maybe even whale watching
- swimming in the sea, pools or under waterfalls
- and at the end of the day, writing a short story through the eyes of a whale, or how a whale sees its stay in the Azores?
In short, you can look forward to experiencing as you write.
What do we promise?
That you will have fun and that you will learn something in the process. That you will leave with some great texts, experiences and the feeling of a week well spent.
What don't we offer?
We don't offer bookish advice like - anything goes, write with your heart, etc. We figure you know this stuff and there's no need to charge money for it 😊. We do not offer a classic commercial tour. It'll be cool, but don't expect a rehearsal. We try to look for and offer slightly unconventional experiences, like swimming in the night ocean into which a hot lava spring rises under a starry sky to warm you up, swimming under a waterfall, or maybe attending a football match of the 1st Portuguese League (optional 😉 but a great experience).
What we don't promise?
That you will become Kafka, Čapek, Němcová and Morštejn. They can, but that guarantee is never there. Writing is a combination of hard work, talent and, of course, luck these days.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See below to read what the course content is. The rest of the itinerary is devoted to trips and other activities.
How the creative writing course will run
There will be 5 morning creative writing workshops of 2.5 hours each during the course of the course. The workshop will not take place on the day of arrival,
on the day of departure and on the day of the day trip.
Each workshop will be divided into learning the theoretical basics that you can apply to the creation of any text, the writing of the texts themselves and finally the feedback. Honest feedback is an essential tool for creative writing and will give you ideas for reflection, improvement and a sense of acceptance.
Course Content
● The proper proportions of any good text
● main idea and motivation
● character portrayal
● engaging description
● lively dialogue
What you will learn in the course
● how to build a compelling text (description, plot, dialogue, punchline)
● working with details
● what are the most common mistakes in writing
● ways of reducing and improving text
● how to get the main idea across
Who is the course for
● Anyone who enjoys travelling and writing and wants to develop their creativity and intuition through a combination of these activities
● anyone who wants to bring back not only memories but also unique texts from their travels
● all those who want to impress with their texts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important note: the order of days and activities may change, depending on the weather, to ensure both quality teaching and visits to all promised sites. We may even stretch the classes in case of rain or fog and cut or skip them at times when the weather is ideal for a trip. In any case, we will do our best to make sure that the promised scope of instruction is fulfilled.
Today we spend the day transporting to Sao Miguel Island and transferring to our accommodation. The time difference is minus two hours compared to the Czech Republic, the day will be a bit longer and the flight will feel a bit longer against time than when you are gliding along. Therefore we will just move to our accommodation and do some shopping on the way. In the evening we will get some basic information about the course, the program and get to know each other better.
On the second day we will focus on exploring the island of Sao Miguel, specifically looking at the capital city of Ponta Delgada. We will see the square, the church dos Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, walk the waterfront and harbor, and relax in the gardens of Botánico José do Canto or Botânico António Borges. We will also visit the nearby pineapple plantations. We will end our day of discovery with dinner at a local restaurant.
The capital of the Azores.
The Botanical Garden of Jardim Botânico José do Canto is a beautiful garden that can be walked through in about 1-2 hours.
The Jardim Botânico António Borges is a garden near the Jardim Botânico José do Canto. It's a bit different, definitely worth a look. There is no entrance fee. In the garden you can sit and refresh yourself in a small café.
Plantação Ananases A Arruda is where pineapples are grown in the Azores. In the local greenhouses you can see pineapples in various stages of growth. In the adjacent shop you can buy some souvenirs and pineapple goodies. By the way, do you know how long it takes for a pineapple to grow into the shape we know it is on the shelves? It's 3 years.
On the third day we will follow the motto, nothing is to be rushed, and so the name of the day, Čajíček, is indicative of the nature of the activities we will be doing during the day. In addition to the aforementioned tea tasting and a visit to the plantations and factories associated with its production, we will visit Praia dos Moinhos beach in the village of Porto Formoso, where we can swim and refresh ourselves with local drinks at a nearby bar. Those who can't get enough of drinks or the sea can go for a swim under the nearby Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall. If there is time left, we can take a car along the coast to a nearby village called Maia, where there is an approximately 3 km long circuit around the seashore with the possibility of swimming in a natural swimming pool near the village.
The Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall is located near Praia dos Moinhos. The waterfall is a short comfortable walk from the car park. You can swim under the waterfall.
The Tea Porto Formoso tea factory is one of the more famous and widely visited places on the island, but it's still easy to walk around and explore. There is no entrance fee. You can walk through the factory, see not only the machines in operation (it's not a museum, but a working factory), but also the women who hand-pick the tea leaves. It is admittedly a strange feeling to walk past them and realize that what the tourist perceives as an experience is their daily routine and livelihood. Anyway, the women are used to the passing tourists and only notice their work. During the harvest season, it is possible to see men harvesting on the plantations. During the visit, it is possible to buy local produce and even taste the tea for free. There is always some ready. There is also the opportunity to walk around the adjacent plantations. The circuit is about three kilometres long and has about 100-150 metres of elevation gain.
If the experience of the course, swimming under the waterfall and touring the tea plantations is not enough, we can end the day with a walk along the coast in the village of Maia. Maia is a small village near the tea plantations o the path along the coast offers beautiful views. It is about 2-3 kilometers long walk with the possibility of swimming in a natural pool. There is a possibility to have a dinner together in a restaurant.
There's nothing better than after a refresher course. Don't worry the course won't teach you how to write weak poems like this, but the weaker the rhyme, the truer it is.
Today, the fourth day of our stay, so we'd rather skip the morning course and spend the time we would normally spend writing stories, listening to the tutor and self-educating ourselves at sea. We will go to Ponta Delgada, where we will board a MobyDick boat and ride the waves of the Atlantic. And while we're bobbing, we'll admire the dolphins and, if we're lucky, the whales that like to come to Sao Miguel Island at that time of year. The whole trip should take around 4 hours, including the journey from the accommodation to the boat. The experience can then be shared together on Santa Barbara beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. The black beach, more than 1.5 kilometres long, offers the perfect setting and is a hub for local surfers. Only in wilder weather is it better to be cautious and use the town's pools or the nearby Praia de Santana beach for swimming. The ocean here can be very strong. Those who don't want to swim can explore this typical Azores coastal town
and have a bite to eat, for example, at the Alabote restaurant on the coast.
Today we will not stay in the capital, we will go straight to the MobyDick tourist company located in the harbour and board the prepared boat and go to the above described experience.
Santa Barbara is a beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. As mentioned in the description of the day, it is a black beach about 1.5 km long, which is the center of local surfers. We can take a swim, or if we're lucky, see some wave breakers.
Ribeira Grande is a typical Azores seaside town, full of narrow streets, shops, parks and typical buildings. It has its classic unhurried atmosphere and is well worth exploring, at least around the square and adjacent park. This is an hour or two at most.
On the promenade there are city pools, as an alternative for those who don't feel like tackling the waves of the Atlantic
The fifth day is called the Monte Palace Hotel Open Day and we will visit one of the most beautiful viewpoints not only in the Azores, but in the world. This is the Vista do Rei, a viewpoint into the Cete Cidades caldera, at the bottom of which lie two lakes - Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. After enough loving, we will attend an open day at the Hotel Monte Palace, whose fame lasted only 13 months.
From the hotel we will drive to one of the island's biggest tourist attractions, the famous Miradouro da Grota do Inferno viewpoint. If the weather is good, we will have a breathtaking view of Lagoa de Santiago and Logoa Rasa, with the town of Cete Cidades and Logoas Verde and Azul in the background. Once we have filled our senses with this view, we will leave with a short stop in Cete Cidades to the town of Mosteiros, where we will enjoy the sunset at a local sunset bar. After sunset, we can sit back and enjoy the day with a glass of wine or other drink.
And it's not over yet!!! When the sun escapes over the horizon, we'll go to load up in the ocean at a spot where a hot lava spring rises into it. All under a starry sky and the twinkling lighthouse of Farol da Ponta da Ferraria. A headlamp, towel and swimsuit are essential for this trip.
Vista to Rei: One of the most photographed places, not only in the Azores. The viewpoint is said to be one of the ten most beautiful in the world. I can't confirm this because I haven't seen all the viewpoints in the world, but it really is beautiful. Ready for your eyes as well as your displays 😉.
Here we tell the story of the destruction of this hotel.
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is a classic highlight. The Charles Bridge, Karlstejn or the Deep of Sao Miguel Island. But it's definitely worth a visit. There aren't many views like it in the world.
Sete Cidades: a town at the bottom of the caldera of the same name. Cete Cidades offers many leisure activities, whether it is boat rentals on site, a visit to the local church, or a walk around both lakes - Lagoa Verde (which can be bypassed completely with swimming) or Laogoa Azul, where you can walk up to the tunnel that opens onto the road above the village of Mosteiros. The tunnel is about 1.2 km long and can only be walked through with a headlamp, very good footwear and when there is little rain. Anyway, you can at least take a peek and see the light at the end of the tunnel 😉.
Mosteiros is a small town where we will end our day and see the sun over the horizon.
Whoever expects that after sunset nothing will happen and only bed awaits him is mistaken. We'll go for a swim at the Spa of Ferraria. There's a hot lava flow into the ocean. During the day, the place is quite busy, so this trip and one of the highlights of the stay is scheduled for the night. Swimming should be done in privacy and in the hottest possible current. I highly recommend the experience 😍.
Who doesn't know the famous New Zealand series from the 1970s. Today, we're going to see one of those smokey mountains.
And it's to the town of Furnas, famous for its thermal springs. And not only that. We'll also visit the famous Terra Nostra Park, where you can take a dip in a thermal pool with orange-coloured water and walk through the surrounding park full of flowering trees and bubbling rivers. After visiting the park, we will head to a place called Caldeiras, where we will remember the famous series. It is a place where boiling water bubbles up from the ground and the air is permeated with a pervasive smoke with a typical sulphurous smell. Depending on the time, we can visit the Pico do Fero lookout point to see Furnas and the surrounding area in all its glory and possibly stop for dinner beforehand.
The Terra Nostra Park is a famous park in the town of Furnas. It is a rather large park full of streams, beautiful corners, flowering trees and plants, which includes a large pool with mustard-coloured iron water. Of course, pleasantly warm 😉.
The town of Furnas, is a town in the eastern part of the island. The so-called city on the volcano. In the town there are several thermal pools, the Terra Nostra park and the Poca da Beija pools. Not far from the town, but also in it bubble the Caldeiras. In some of them they prepare Cozida, a famous dish of meat, potatoes and vegetables. WARNING: It is not included in the itinerary. Preparation usually takes six hours or more.
Poça da Dona Beija - five natural thermal pools in Furnas. Tickets can be bought at the beginning of the trip. Groups to the pools are limited and the set time is for 1 hour.
View of the town of Furnas and the adjacent Lagou das Furnas. The lagoon can be walked around in about an hour to an hour and a half.
We will spend the seventh and last day on the road. It's called a sightseeing day and we will try to see as much of the eastern side of the island as possible. First we will head to the village of Faial da Terra, where we will park and make our way to the Cascata Salto do Prego waterfall. After visiting the waterfall we will return to the village of Faial da Terra, take a short break and time to explore the village. The village winds along the river of the same name. At the bottom, it is possible to swim in the pools or jump off the pier into the sea. Next to the pier is a small, sandy and rocky beach. After exploring the village, we take a return trip around the northern part of the island. First we stop at the Farol do Arnel lighthouse. We will leave our cars at the top and walk to it on our own. Why?For a simple reason, the road to the lighthouse is so steep that just walking down to it is an experience. Driving is strongly discouraged, although locals do drive. From the lighthouse you can see the Cascata do Ribeira do Tosquiata waterfall. After the hike back to the car, we move on to the town of Nordeste. A very nice place that deserves an exploratory walk. It is also possible to visit the small zoo there.
Depending on the time, we can end our journey with dinner in beautiful and peaceful Nordeste.
Faial Da Terra is a small village in the eastern less touristy part of the island. The village is the starting point to the Salto do Prego waterfall or to the village of Sanguinho.
Trip to the Salto di Prego waterfall and the village of Sanquinho. The path is about 4-5 kilometers in circuit and the total elevation reaches about 200 meters.
Farol to Arnel. A lighthouse near the town of Nordeste, famous for the slope of the road leading to it. It is not advisable to drive down, but to see the lighthouse, the adjacent village and the waterfall with your own eyes, on the contrary.
Town of Nordeste. A pleasant sleepy town on the east side of the island. It is possible to explore its streets, buy some snacks and have a coffee in the peace of the beautifully lit church. A visit to the small zoo is also possible. There are also restaurants in the place. It is possible to end the day with a mass dinner.
The eighth and last day will be devoted to moving home. In the morning we will have breakfast with the owner of the house and review the course and excursions.
You have been getting feedback on the course, now it will be time for yours towards us. After breakfast together, we can head into town for some last-minute walks and any purchases of goodies, either in the form of souvenirs or in the form of delicious Azorean cheeses, etc.
What to write in conclusion? How to conceptualize the ending? Or is it an ending at all? Who knows ? Anyway, just as there are endings that are thought out and punctuated, there are endings that are open-ended and without a punchline 😀 . And this is one of them. Because where something ends, something else begins again. This may be one of the most annoying clichés, but it also carries quite a bit of wisdom.
And so, thank you for coming with us, for spending what I hope was a pleasant and useful time with us. As well as the experience, you'll take home your polished texts, so you've certainly learned something new. At the very least, every thing can be viewed from many angles and if we want to understand each other, in writing and in life, it is good to keep that in mind.Míra Tichý and Monika Hodáčová
We are a Czech companyWe are a Czech company
itinerary by Miroslav Tichý
Hello Franz, Karl, Bozenka, Alcha, alias hello Kafka, Čapek, Němcová, Morštajnová.
And this is how it may sound to your ears in time. Just get started.
Want to learn how to write? Maybe not as well as those mentioned above, but at least enough to make your writing readable? To express, feelings, emotions, to be set
in a story? So that the story holds together and the reader can keep reading from beginning to end and not fall asleep in the middle? And at the same time want to experience a piece of exoticism? To take a dip in the ocean into which a lava spring rises? To see one of the world's most beautiful sights, a steaming and bubbling land, and much more?
Then you've got it right. That's exactly what we're offering you.
Who?
Monika Hodáčová, documentary filmmaker of Memory of Nations, lecturer, author of the self-development book "I can still take off" and book interview with doctor Milena Cerna "Good people hold the world". She regularly writes texts for Post Bellum, Psychologie.cz website, as well as short stories published in the magazine Žena a život (Woman and Life) and short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity" and "The wrapping time".
Miroslav Tichý - a bit of a man on the fence, a misfit, occasional traveller and also co-author of the short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity"
and "The Wrapping Time. Creator of the website www.textgulas.cz , where he stores his published and yet-to-be-published writings.
What do we offer?
A combination of a creative writing course interwoven with the experience of exploring Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago.
You can look forward to:
- morning creative writing sessions
- writing texts not only about the trips we took
- peer feedback, both from the tutor and from other course participants
- afternoon trips and excursions around the island
- unexpected experiences while getting to know it (have you ever played football in someone's backyard in the Azores?) - optional 😊.
- dolphin and maybe even whale watching
- swimming in the sea, pools or under waterfalls
- and at the end of the day, writing a short story through the eyes of a whale, or how a whale sees its stay in the Azores?
In short, you can look forward to experiencing as you write.
What do we promise?
That you will have fun and that you will learn something in the process. That you will leave with some great texts, experiences and the feeling of a week well spent.
What don't we offer?
We don't offer bookish advice like - anything goes, write with your heart, etc. We figure you know this stuff and there's no need to charge money for it 😊. We do not offer a classic commercial tour. It'll be cool, but don't expect a rehearsal. We try to look for and offer slightly unconventional experiences, like swimming in the night ocean into which a hot lava spring rises under a starry sky to warm you up, swimming under a waterfall, or maybe attending a football match of the 1st Portuguese League (optional 😉 but a great experience).
What we don't promise?
That you will become Kafka, Čapek, Němcová and Morštejn. They can, but that guarantee is never there. Writing is a combination of hard work, talent and, of course, luck these days.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See below to read what the course content is. The rest of the itinerary is devoted to trips and other activities.
How the creative writing course will run
There will be 5 morning creative writing workshops of 2.5 hours each during the course of the course. The workshop will not take place on the day of arrival,
on the day of departure and on the day of the day trip.
Each workshop will be divided into learning the theoretical basics that you can apply to the creation of any text, the writing of the texts themselves and finally the feedback. Honest feedback is an essential tool for creative writing and will give you ideas for reflection, improvement and a sense of acceptance.
Course Content
● The proper proportions of any good text
● main idea and motivation
● character portrayal
● engaging description
● lively dialogue
What you will learn in the course
● how to build a compelling text (description, plot, dialogue, punchline)
● working with details
● what are the most common mistakes in writing
● ways of reducing and improving text
● how to get the main idea across
Who is the course for
● Anyone who enjoys travelling and writing and wants to develop their creativity and intuition through a combination of these activities
● anyone who wants to bring back not only memories but also unique texts from their travels
● all those who want to impress with their texts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important note: the order of days and activities may change, depending on the weather, to ensure both quality teaching and visits to all promised sites. We may even stretch the classes in case of rain or fog and cut or skip them at times when the weather is ideal for a trip. In any case, we will do our best to make sure that the promised scope of instruction is fulfilled.
Today we spend the day transporting to Sao Miguel Island and transferring to our accommodation. The time difference is minus two hours compared to the Czech Republic, the day will be a bit longer and the flight will feel a bit longer against time than when you are gliding along. Therefore we will just move to our accommodation and do some shopping on the way. In the evening we will get some basic information about the course, the program and get to know each other better.
On the second day we will focus on exploring the island of Sao Miguel, specifically looking at the capital city of Ponta Delgada. We will see the square, the church dos Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, walk the waterfront and harbor, and relax in the gardens of Botánico José do Canto or Botânico António Borges. We will also visit the nearby pineapple plantations. We will end our day of discovery with dinner at a local restaurant.
The capital of the Azores.
The Botanical Garden of Jardim Botânico José do Canto is a beautiful garden that can be walked through in about 1-2 hours.
The Jardim Botânico António Borges is a garden near the Jardim Botânico José do Canto. It's a bit different, definitely worth a look. There is no entrance fee. In the garden you can sit and refresh yourself in a small café.
Plantação Ananases A Arruda is where pineapples are grown in the Azores. In the local greenhouses you can see pineapples in various stages of growth. In the adjacent shop you can buy some souvenirs and pineapple goodies. By the way, do you know how long it takes for a pineapple to grow into the shape we know it is on the shelves? It's 3 years.
On the third day we will follow the motto, nothing is to be rushed, and so the name of the day, Čajíček, is indicative of the nature of the activities we will be doing during the day. In addition to the aforementioned tea tasting and a visit to the plantations and factories associated with its production, we will visit Praia dos Moinhos beach in the village of Porto Formoso, where we can swim and refresh ourselves with local drinks at a nearby bar. Those who can't get enough of drinks or the sea can go for a swim under the nearby Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall. If there is time left, we can take a car along the coast to a nearby village called Maia, where there is an approximately 3 km long circuit around the seashore with the possibility of swimming in a natural swimming pool near the village.
The Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall is located near Praia dos Moinhos. The waterfall is a short comfortable walk from the car park. You can swim under the waterfall.
The Tea Porto Formoso tea factory is one of the more famous and widely visited places on the island, but it's still easy to walk around and explore. There is no entrance fee. You can walk through the factory, see not only the machines in operation (it's not a museum, but a working factory), but also the women who hand-pick the tea leaves. It is admittedly a strange feeling to walk past them and realize that what the tourist perceives as an experience is their daily routine and livelihood. Anyway, the women are used to the passing tourists and only notice their work. During the harvest season, it is possible to see men harvesting on the plantations. During the visit, it is possible to buy local produce and even taste the tea for free. There is always some ready. There is also the opportunity to walk around the adjacent plantations. The circuit is about three kilometres long and has about 100-150 metres of elevation gain.
If the experience of the course, swimming under the waterfall and touring the tea plantations is not enough, we can end the day with a walk along the coast in the village of Maia. Maia is a small village near the tea plantations o the path along the coast offers beautiful views. It is about 2-3 kilometers long walk with the possibility of swimming in a natural pool. There is a possibility to have a dinner together in a restaurant.
There's nothing better than after a refresher course. Don't worry the course won't teach you how to write weak poems like this, but the weaker the rhyme, the truer it is.
Today, the fourth day of our stay, so we'd rather skip the morning course and spend the time we would normally spend writing stories, listening to the tutor and self-educating ourselves at sea. We will go to Ponta Delgada, where we will board a MobyDick boat and ride the waves of the Atlantic. And while we're bobbing, we'll admire the dolphins and, if we're lucky, the whales that like to come to Sao Miguel Island at that time of year. The whole trip should take around 4 hours, including the journey from the accommodation to the boat. The experience can then be shared together on Santa Barbara beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. The black beach, more than 1.5 kilometres long, offers the perfect setting and is a hub for local surfers. Only in wilder weather is it better to be cautious and use the town's pools or the nearby Praia de Santana beach for swimming. The ocean here can be very strong. Those who don't want to swim can explore this typical Azores coastal town
and have a bite to eat, for example, at the Alabote restaurant on the coast.
Today we will not stay in the capital, we will go straight to the MobyDick tourist company located in the harbour and board the prepared boat and go to the above described experience.
Santa Barbara is a beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. As mentioned in the description of the day, it is a black beach about 1.5 km long, which is the center of local surfers. We can take a swim, or if we're lucky, see some wave breakers.
Ribeira Grande is a typical Azores seaside town, full of narrow streets, shops, parks and typical buildings. It has its classic unhurried atmosphere and is well worth exploring, at least around the square and adjacent park. This is an hour or two at most.
On the promenade there are city pools, as an alternative for those who don't feel like tackling the waves of the Atlantic
The fifth day is called the Monte Palace Hotel Open Day and we will visit one of the most beautiful viewpoints not only in the Azores, but in the world. This is the Vista do Rei, a viewpoint into the Cete Cidades caldera, at the bottom of which lie two lakes - Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. After enough loving, we will attend an open day at the Hotel Monte Palace, whose fame lasted only 13 months.
From the hotel we will drive to one of the island's biggest tourist attractions, the famous Miradouro da Grota do Inferno viewpoint. If the weather is good, we will have a breathtaking view of Lagoa de Santiago and Logoa Rasa, with the town of Cete Cidades and Logoas Verde and Azul in the background. Once we have filled our senses with this view, we will leave with a short stop in Cete Cidades to the town of Mosteiros, where we will enjoy the sunset at a local sunset bar. After sunset, we can sit back and enjoy the day with a glass of wine or other drink.
And it's not over yet!!! When the sun escapes over the horizon, we'll go to load up in the ocean at a spot where a hot lava spring rises into it. All under a starry sky and the twinkling lighthouse of Farol da Ponta da Ferraria. A headlamp, towel and swimsuit are essential for this trip.
Vista to Rei: One of the most photographed places, not only in the Azores. The viewpoint is said to be one of the ten most beautiful in the world. I can't confirm this because I haven't seen all the viewpoints in the world, but it really is beautiful. Ready for your eyes as well as your displays 😉.
Here we tell the story of the destruction of this hotel.
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is a classic highlight. The Charles Bridge, Karlstejn or the Deep of Sao Miguel Island. But it's definitely worth a visit. There aren't many views like it in the world.
Sete Cidades: a town at the bottom of the caldera of the same name. Cete Cidades offers many leisure activities, whether it is boat rentals on site, a visit to the local church, or a walk around both lakes - Lagoa Verde (which can be bypassed completely with swimming) or Laogoa Azul, where you can walk up to the tunnel that opens onto the road above the village of Mosteiros. The tunnel is about 1.2 km long and can only be walked through with a headlamp, very good footwear and when there is little rain. Anyway, you can at least take a peek and see the light at the end of the tunnel 😉.
Mosteiros is a small town where we will end our day and see the sun over the horizon.
Whoever expects that after sunset nothing will happen and only bed awaits him is mistaken. We'll go for a swim at the Spa of Ferraria. There's a hot lava flow into the ocean. During the day, the place is quite busy, so this trip and one of the highlights of the stay is scheduled for the night. Swimming should be done in privacy and in the hottest possible current. I highly recommend the experience 😍.
Who doesn't know the famous New Zealand series from the 1970s. Today, we're going to see one of those smokey mountains.
And it's to the town of Furnas, famous for its thermal springs. And not only that. We'll also visit the famous Terra Nostra Park, where you can take a dip in a thermal pool with orange-coloured water and walk through the surrounding park full of flowering trees and bubbling rivers. After visiting the park, we will head to a place called Caldeiras, where we will remember the famous series. It is a place where boiling water bubbles up from the ground and the air is permeated with a pervasive smoke with a typical sulphurous smell. Depending on the time, we can visit the Pico do Fero lookout point to see Furnas and the surrounding area in all its glory and possibly stop for dinner beforehand.
The Terra Nostra Park is a famous park in the town of Furnas. It is a rather large park full of streams, beautiful corners, flowering trees and plants, which includes a large pool with mustard-coloured iron water. Of course, pleasantly warm 😉.
The town of Furnas, is a town in the eastern part of the island. The so-called city on the volcano. In the town there are several thermal pools, the Terra Nostra park and the Poca da Beija pools. Not far from the town, but also in it bubble the Caldeiras. In some of them they prepare Cozida, a famous dish of meat, potatoes and vegetables. WARNING: It is not included in the itinerary. Preparation usually takes six hours or more.
Poça da Dona Beija - five natural thermal pools in Furnas. Tickets can be bought at the beginning of the trip. Groups to the pools are limited and the set time is for 1 hour.
View of the town of Furnas and the adjacent Lagou das Furnas. The lagoon can be walked around in about an hour to an hour and a half.
We will spend the seventh and last day on the road. It's called a sightseeing day and we will try to see as much of the eastern side of the island as possible. First we will head to the village of Faial da Terra, where we will park and make our way to the Cascata Salto do Prego waterfall. After visiting the waterfall we will return to the village of Faial da Terra, take a short break and time to explore the village. The village winds along the river of the same name. At the bottom, it is possible to swim in the pools or jump off the pier into the sea. Next to the pier is a small, sandy and rocky beach. After exploring the village, we take a return trip around the northern part of the island. First we stop at the Farol do Arnel lighthouse. We will leave our cars at the top and walk to it on our own. Why?For a simple reason, the road to the lighthouse is so steep that just walking down to it is an experience. Driving is strongly discouraged, although locals do drive. From the lighthouse you can see the Cascata do Ribeira do Tosquiata waterfall. After the hike back to the car, we move on to the town of Nordeste. A very nice place that deserves an exploratory walk. It is also possible to visit the small zoo there.
Depending on the time, we can end our journey with dinner in beautiful and peaceful Nordeste.
Faial Da Terra is a small village in the eastern less touristy part of the island. The village is the starting point to the Salto do Prego waterfall or to the village of Sanguinho.
Trip to the Salto di Prego waterfall and the village of Sanquinho. The path is about 4-5 kilometers in circuit and the total elevation reaches about 200 meters.
Farol to Arnel. A lighthouse near the town of Nordeste, famous for the slope of the road leading to it. It is not advisable to drive down, but to see the lighthouse, the adjacent village and the waterfall with your own eyes, on the contrary.
Town of Nordeste. A pleasant sleepy town on the east side of the island. It is possible to explore its streets, buy some snacks and have a coffee in the peace of the beautifully lit church. A visit to the small zoo is also possible. There are also restaurants in the place. It is possible to end the day with a mass dinner.
The eighth and last day will be devoted to moving home. In the morning we will have breakfast with the owner of the house and review the course and excursions.
You have been getting feedback on the course, now it will be time for yours towards us. After breakfast together, we can head into town for some last-minute walks and any purchases of goodies, either in the form of souvenirs or in the form of delicious Azorean cheeses, etc.
What to write in conclusion? How to conceptualize the ending? Or is it an ending at all? Who knows ? Anyway, just as there are endings that are thought out and punctuated, there are endings that are open-ended and without a punchline 😀 . And this is one of them. Because where something ends, something else begins again. This may be one of the most annoying clichés, but it also carries quite a bit of wisdom.
And so, thank you for coming with us, for spending what I hope was a pleasant and useful time with us. As well as the experience, you'll take home your polished texts, so you've certainly learned something new. At the very least, every thing can be viewed from many angles and if we want to understand each other, in writing and in life, it is good to keep that in mind.Míra Tichý and Monika Hodáčová
Hello Franz, Karl, Bozenka, Alcha, alias hello Kafka, Čapek, Němcová, Morštajnová.
And this is how it may sound to your ears in time. Just get started.
Want to learn how to write? Maybe not as well as those mentioned above, but at least enough to make your writing readable? To express, feelings, emotions, to be set
in a story? So that the story holds together and the reader can keep reading from beginning to end and not fall asleep in the middle? And at the same time want to experience a piece of exoticism? To take a dip in the ocean into which a lava spring rises? To see one of the world's most beautiful sights, a steaming and bubbling land, and much more?
Then you've got it right. That's exactly what we're offering you.
Who?
Monika Hodáčová, documentary filmmaker of Memory of Nations, lecturer, author of the self-development book "I can still take off" and book interview with doctor Milena Cerna "Good people hold the world". She regularly writes texts for Post Bellum, Psychologie.cz website, as well as short stories published in the magazine Žena a život (Woman and Life) and short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity" and "The wrapping time".
Miroslav Tichý - a bit of a man on the fence, a misfit, occasional traveller and also co-author of the short story collections "How Dřímající throm deprived me of my virginity"
and "The Wrapping Time. Creator of the website www.textgulas.cz , where he stores his published and yet-to-be-published writings.
What do we offer?
A combination of a creative writing course interwoven with the experience of exploring Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago.
You can look forward to:
- morning creative writing sessions
- writing texts not only about the trips we took
- peer feedback, both from the tutor and from other course participants
- afternoon trips and excursions around the island
- unexpected experiences while getting to know it (have you ever played football in someone's backyard in the Azores?) - optional 😊.
- dolphin and maybe even whale watching
- swimming in the sea, pools or under waterfalls
- and at the end of the day, writing a short story through the eyes of a whale, or how a whale sees its stay in the Azores?
In short, you can look forward to experiencing as you write.
What do we promise?
That you will have fun and that you will learn something in the process. That you will leave with some great texts, experiences and the feeling of a week well spent.
What don't we offer?
We don't offer bookish advice like - anything goes, write with your heart, etc. We figure you know this stuff and there's no need to charge money for it 😊. We do not offer a classic commercial tour. It'll be cool, but don't expect a rehearsal. We try to look for and offer slightly unconventional experiences, like swimming in the night ocean into which a hot lava spring rises under a starry sky to warm you up, swimming under a waterfall, or maybe attending a football match of the 1st Portuguese League (optional 😉 but a great experience).
What we don't promise?
That you will become Kafka, Čapek, Němcová and Morštejn. They can, but that guarantee is never there. Writing is a combination of hard work, talent and, of course, luck these days.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See below to read what the course content is. The rest of the itinerary is devoted to trips and other activities.
How the creative writing course will run
There will be 5 morning creative writing workshops of 2.5 hours each during the course of the course. The workshop will not take place on the day of arrival,
on the day of departure and on the day of the day trip.
Each workshop will be divided into learning the theoretical basics that you can apply to the creation of any text, the writing of the texts themselves and finally the feedback. Honest feedback is an essential tool for creative writing and will give you ideas for reflection, improvement and a sense of acceptance.
Course Content
● The proper proportions of any good text
● main idea and motivation
● character portrayal
● engaging description
● lively dialogue
What you will learn in the course
● how to build a compelling text (description, plot, dialogue, punchline)
● working with details
● what are the most common mistakes in writing
● ways of reducing and improving text
● how to get the main idea across
Who is the course for
● Anyone who enjoys travelling and writing and wants to develop their creativity and intuition through a combination of these activities
● anyone who wants to bring back not only memories but also unique texts from their travels
● all those who want to impress with their texts
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important note: the order of days and activities may change, depending on the weather, to ensure both quality teaching and visits to all promised sites. We may even stretch the classes in case of rain or fog and cut or skip them at times when the weather is ideal for a trip. In any case, we will do our best to make sure that the promised scope of instruction is fulfilled.
Today we spend the day transporting to Sao Miguel Island and transferring to our accommodation. The time difference is minus two hours compared to the Czech Republic, the day will be a bit longer and the flight will feel a bit longer against time than when you are gliding along. Therefore we will just move to our accommodation and do some shopping on the way. In the evening we will get some basic information about the course, the program and get to know each other better.
On the second day we will focus on exploring the island of Sao Miguel, specifically looking at the capital city of Ponta Delgada. We will see the square, the church dos Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, walk the waterfront and harbor, and relax in the gardens of Botánico José do Canto or Botânico António Borges. We will also visit the nearby pineapple plantations. We will end our day of discovery with dinner at a local restaurant.
The capital of the Azores.
The Botanical Garden of Jardim Botânico José do Canto is a beautiful garden that can be walked through in about 1-2 hours.
The Jardim Botânico António Borges is a garden near the Jardim Botânico José do Canto. It's a bit different, definitely worth a look. There is no entrance fee. In the garden you can sit and refresh yourself in a small café.
Plantação Ananases A Arruda is where pineapples are grown in the Azores. In the local greenhouses you can see pineapples in various stages of growth. In the adjacent shop you can buy some souvenirs and pineapple goodies. By the way, do you know how long it takes for a pineapple to grow into the shape we know it is on the shelves? It's 3 years.
On the third day we will follow the motto, nothing is to be rushed, and so the name of the day, Čajíček, is indicative of the nature of the activities we will be doing during the day. In addition to the aforementioned tea tasting and a visit to the plantations and factories associated with its production, we will visit Praia dos Moinhos beach in the village of Porto Formoso, where we can swim and refresh ourselves with local drinks at a nearby bar. Those who can't get enough of drinks or the sea can go for a swim under the nearby Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall. If there is time left, we can take a car along the coast to a nearby village called Maia, where there is an approximately 3 km long circuit around the seashore with the possibility of swimming in a natural swimming pool near the village.
The Cascata do Porto Formoso waterfall is located near Praia dos Moinhos. The waterfall is a short comfortable walk from the car park. You can swim under the waterfall.
The Tea Porto Formoso tea factory is one of the more famous and widely visited places on the island, but it's still easy to walk around and explore. There is no entrance fee. You can walk through the factory, see not only the machines in operation (it's not a museum, but a working factory), but also the women who hand-pick the tea leaves. It is admittedly a strange feeling to walk past them and realize that what the tourist perceives as an experience is their daily routine and livelihood. Anyway, the women are used to the passing tourists and only notice their work. During the harvest season, it is possible to see men harvesting on the plantations. During the visit, it is possible to buy local produce and even taste the tea for free. There is always some ready. There is also the opportunity to walk around the adjacent plantations. The circuit is about three kilometres long and has about 100-150 metres of elevation gain.
If the experience of the course, swimming under the waterfall and touring the tea plantations is not enough, we can end the day with a walk along the coast in the village of Maia. Maia is a small village near the tea plantations o the path along the coast offers beautiful views. It is about 2-3 kilometers long walk with the possibility of swimming in a natural pool. There is a possibility to have a dinner together in a restaurant.
There's nothing better than after a refresher course. Don't worry the course won't teach you how to write weak poems like this, but the weaker the rhyme, the truer it is.
Today, the fourth day of our stay, so we'd rather skip the morning course and spend the time we would normally spend writing stories, listening to the tutor and self-educating ourselves at sea. We will go to Ponta Delgada, where we will board a MobyDick boat and ride the waves of the Atlantic. And while we're bobbing, we'll admire the dolphins and, if we're lucky, the whales that like to come to Sao Miguel Island at that time of year. The whole trip should take around 4 hours, including the journey from the accommodation to the boat. The experience can then be shared together on Santa Barbara beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. The black beach, more than 1.5 kilometres long, offers the perfect setting and is a hub for local surfers. Only in wilder weather is it better to be cautious and use the town's pools or the nearby Praia de Santana beach for swimming. The ocean here can be very strong. Those who don't want to swim can explore this typical Azores coastal town
and have a bite to eat, for example, at the Alabote restaurant on the coast.
Today we will not stay in the capital, we will go straight to the MobyDick tourist company located in the harbour and board the prepared boat and go to the above described experience.
Santa Barbara is a beach near the town of Ribeira Grande. As mentioned in the description of the day, it is a black beach about 1.5 km long, which is the center of local surfers. We can take a swim, or if we're lucky, see some wave breakers.
Ribeira Grande is a typical Azores seaside town, full of narrow streets, shops, parks and typical buildings. It has its classic unhurried atmosphere and is well worth exploring, at least around the square and adjacent park. This is an hour or two at most.
On the promenade there are city pools, as an alternative for those who don't feel like tackling the waves of the Atlantic
The fifth day is called the Monte Palace Hotel Open Day and we will visit one of the most beautiful viewpoints not only in the Azores, but in the world. This is the Vista do Rei, a viewpoint into the Cete Cidades caldera, at the bottom of which lie two lakes - Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul. After enough loving, we will attend an open day at the Hotel Monte Palace, whose fame lasted only 13 months.
From the hotel we will drive to one of the island's biggest tourist attractions, the famous Miradouro da Grota do Inferno viewpoint. If the weather is good, we will have a breathtaking view of Lagoa de Santiago and Logoa Rasa, with the town of Cete Cidades and Logoas Verde and Azul in the background. Once we have filled our senses with this view, we will leave with a short stop in Cete Cidades to the town of Mosteiros, where we will enjoy the sunset at a local sunset bar. After sunset, we can sit back and enjoy the day with a glass of wine or other drink.
And it's not over yet!!! When the sun escapes over the horizon, we'll go to load up in the ocean at a spot where a hot lava spring rises into it. All under a starry sky and the twinkling lighthouse of Farol da Ponta da Ferraria. A headlamp, towel and swimsuit are essential for this trip.
Vista to Rei: One of the most photographed places, not only in the Azores. The viewpoint is said to be one of the ten most beautiful in the world. I can't confirm this because I haven't seen all the viewpoints in the world, but it really is beautiful. Ready for your eyes as well as your displays 😉.
Here we tell the story of the destruction of this hotel.
Miradouro da Grota do Inferno is a classic highlight. The Charles Bridge, Karlstejn or the Deep of Sao Miguel Island. But it's definitely worth a visit. There aren't many views like it in the world.
Sete Cidades: a town at the bottom of the caldera of the same name. Cete Cidades offers many leisure activities, whether it is boat rentals on site, a visit to the local church, or a walk around both lakes - Lagoa Verde (which can be bypassed completely with swimming) or Laogoa Azul, where you can walk up to the tunnel that opens onto the road above the village of Mosteiros. The tunnel is about 1.2 km long and can only be walked through with a headlamp, very good footwear and when there is little rain. Anyway, you can at least take a peek and see the light at the end of the tunnel 😉.
Mosteiros is a small town where we will end our day and see the sun over the horizon.
Whoever expects that after sunset nothing will happen and only bed awaits him is mistaken. We'll go for a swim at the Spa of Ferraria. There's a hot lava flow into the ocean. During the day, the place is quite busy, so this trip and one of the highlights of the stay is scheduled for the night. Swimming should be done in privacy and in the hottest possible current. I highly recommend the experience 😍.
Who doesn't know the famous New Zealand series from the 1970s. Today, we're going to see one of those smokey mountains.
And it's to the town of Furnas, famous for its thermal springs. And not only that. We'll also visit the famous Terra Nostra Park, where you can take a dip in a thermal pool with orange-coloured water and walk through the surrounding park full of flowering trees and bubbling rivers. After visiting the park, we will head to a place called Caldeiras, where we will remember the famous series. It is a place where boiling water bubbles up from the ground and the air is permeated with a pervasive smoke with a typical sulphurous smell. Depending on the time, we can visit the Pico do Fero lookout point to see Furnas and the surrounding area in all its glory and possibly stop for dinner beforehand.
The Terra Nostra Park is a famous park in the town of Furnas. It is a rather large park full of streams, beautiful corners, flowering trees and plants, which includes a large pool with mustard-coloured iron water. Of course, pleasantly warm 😉.
The town of Furnas, is a town in the eastern part of the island. The so-called city on the volcano. In the town there are several thermal pools, the Terra Nostra park and the Poca da Beija pools. Not far from the town, but also in it bubble the Caldeiras. In some of them they prepare Cozida, a famous dish of meat, potatoes and vegetables. WARNING: It is not included in the itinerary. Preparation usually takes six hours or more.
Poça da Dona Beija - five natural thermal pools in Furnas. Tickets can be bought at the beginning of the trip. Groups to the pools are limited and the set time is for 1 hour.
View of the town of Furnas and the adjacent Lagou das Furnas. The lagoon can be walked around in about an hour to an hour and a half.
We will spend the seventh and last day on the road. It's called a sightseeing day and we will try to see as much of the eastern side of the island as possible. First we will head to the village of Faial da Terra, where we will park and make our way to the Cascata Salto do Prego waterfall. After visiting the waterfall we will return to the village of Faial da Terra, take a short break and time to explore the village. The village winds along the river of the same name. At the bottom, it is possible to swim in the pools or jump off the pier into the sea. Next to the pier is a small, sandy and rocky beach. After exploring the village, we take a return trip around the northern part of the island. First we stop at the Farol do Arnel lighthouse. We will leave our cars at the top and walk to it on our own. Why?For a simple reason, the road to the lighthouse is so steep that just walking down to it is an experience. Driving is strongly discouraged, although locals do drive. From the lighthouse you can see the Cascata do Ribeira do Tosquiata waterfall. After the hike back to the car, we move on to the town of Nordeste. A very nice place that deserves an exploratory walk. It is also possible to visit the small zoo there.
Depending on the time, we can end our journey with dinner in beautiful and peaceful Nordeste.
Faial Da Terra is a small village in the eastern less touristy part of the island. The village is the starting point to the Salto do Prego waterfall or to the village of Sanguinho.
Trip to the Salto di Prego waterfall and the village of Sanquinho. The path is about 4-5 kilometers in circuit and the total elevation reaches about 200 meters.
Farol to Arnel. A lighthouse near the town of Nordeste, famous for the slope of the road leading to it. It is not advisable to drive down, but to see the lighthouse, the adjacent village and the waterfall with your own eyes, on the contrary.
Town of Nordeste. A pleasant sleepy town on the east side of the island. It is possible to explore its streets, buy some snacks and have a coffee in the peace of the beautifully lit church. A visit to the small zoo is also possible. There are also restaurants in the place. It is possible to end the day with a mass dinner.
The eighth and last day will be devoted to moving home. In the morning we will have breakfast with the owner of the house and review the course and excursions.
You have been getting feedback on the course, now it will be time for yours towards us. After breakfast together, we can head into town for some last-minute walks and any purchases of goodies, either in the form of souvenirs or in the form of delicious Azorean cheeses, etc.
What to write in conclusion? How to conceptualize the ending? Or is it an ending at all? Who knows ? Anyway, just as there are endings that are thought out and punctuated, there are endings that are open-ended and without a punchline 😀 . And this is one of them. Because where something ends, something else begins again. This may be one of the most annoying clichés, but it also carries quite a bit of wisdom.
And so, thank you for coming with us, for spending what I hope was a pleasant and useful time with us. As well as the experience, you'll take home your polished texts, so you've certainly learned something new. At the very least, every thing can be viewed from many angles and if we want to understand each other, in writing and in life, it is good to keep that in mind.Míra Tichý and Monika Hodáčová
