The churches are very similar on the islands of Portugal with beautiful gold high altars...





 

james' sea aventure 

James Gutteridge, Musical Director at St Mary's Church, Melton Mowbray, found himself all at sea recently, but it was all in the name of music!

James was invited by his soprano friend Emily Yarrow to accompany her during four classical concerts given on board a Fred Olsen cruise ship. He spent two weeks on board the ship which visited Portugal and The Azores. The ship sailed from Liverpool on May 11th and visited Praia da Vitória, Terceira; Horta, Faial; Ponta Delgada, San Miguel; Lisbon; and Leixoes, Oporto. 

Here are some of the pictures James took while on the cruise. He is pictured above left with Emily.



The ship which James sailed in.



After climbing a large hill, James found this Virgin Mary statue.



Above and below: Some views taken by James during a Tuk Tuk ride.






This little bay is very special and is highly protected. No one is allowed there except scientists. The water is only 3m deep and it is home to several species of rare sea horses!!



Above and below: A beautiful beach on the island of Horta.






A natural swimming pool.. made from the volcano!



Above and below: Views of Horta.

This is Mount Pico, a stratovolcano located on Pico Island, in the mid-Atlantic archipelago of the Azores. It is the highest mountain of Portugal, at 2,351 metres above sea level, and is one of the highest Atlantic mountains; it is more than twice the elevation of any other peak in the Azores.



Above and below: Ponta Delgada on San Miguel island.






A spectacular view as the ship sails into Lisbon.






As the ship went under the huge suspension bridge, there was a tall statue of Christ looking over the city















Above and below: James and Emily found Lisbon Cathedral and its organ.






Then they went up to the highest point in the city and the views were stunning.



One of the beautiful churches in Lisbon.



Above and below: No visit to Lisbon would be complete without seeing the famous shopping area to the Rua Augusta Street Arch.







James is pictured in Lisbon with the Pantheon behind him.



The port of Oporto.