Choices

 It is a rainy morning.  In fact, it will be a totally rainy day, if the weather app on my phone is to be believed.  It has been wrong before, but the situation outside at the moment certainly confirms the forecast.

We have now been here almost 3 weeks and the weather has been much rainier and windier than in past visits.  Once, while riding up the mountain, I had to get off and push as the combination of incline, wind and avoiding highway accesses proved too much.  Can't navigate safely when the wind is blowing so hard as to push you around on the road.  So, the bike riding has not been the greatest.  

Instead I have been walking -- my 5km first thing in the morning.  On nice days, I take my sticks and stride along the waterfront for 2.5 km and then turn around.  The experience of the ocean next to me is on some days so calming and on other days, when the spray hits me, very invigorating.  

https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipPBjL4mNoCUDlGIQljJzyQsDD_irCeGePZWpdQ2

On not-so-nice days, like today, I walk in the underground parking garages here on the harbour.  There is space for about 500 cars in the two lots and they have accesses up to the street level as well as onto the water level.  There is a large crescent-shaped commercial zone for the tourists, particularly for the ones that come on cruise ships.  It is possible to walk along, under the covered area and not get wet.  

But on nice days, I have been making a point of visiting the gardens here in town -- the little ones that are in between streets or outside public building, as well as the 3 major gardens.  My favourite is the Antonio Borges and it is free and open almost 24 hours a day.  Besides spectacular trees, there are many azaleas in bloom and peaceful pools to sit and enjoy.

If I lived here all year long, I would have such a garden!  But I would not trade living in Chippawa for living in Ponta Delgada.  Having stated that, I still say that I'm glad I'm here now rather than at home in the snow.

We all have choices for our lives.  Choose wisely.