When I return to Millgrove or Hamilton, I look for what is different from when I lived there. Over the years and now, the same observations are made concerning the Niagara area. Today I found myself thinking and reviewing Ponta Delgada in that way. It's a place I have lived (rather than just visited) and it feels good to be back, especially when it was 18 degrees and sunny this afternoon.
The little corner grocery stores have been taken over in many places by SPAR, the German mini grocery chain. The former crowded and dingy old shops are now bright and more spacious. The locals bemoan the loss of the traditional venues, but I like the change.
The market has finally reopened on the main floor of the building. For the last 4 years it has been stuck in the basement carpark. The renovated space is bright and clean with cafes and other little shops. Being Wednesday, most of the meat and all of the fish people were absent, but it should be great on a Saturday. But I still couldn't get a package of spores to grow a tree fern.
The place to get your minibus monthly pass has changed, but we found it no problem, got our free passes for February (we brought along the cards we got last year and they just needed validation) and even a special letter that allows each of us to ride free this week. Being a senior is rewarding!
Our favourite garden has now put a permanent fence around the Australian Moreton Bay fig tree. Last year there had been a wind storm and two of the branches of the spreading tree had broken off. There was a temporary fence. I guess they don't want to take any chances for the tourists.
When I was in my twenties, I was quite envious of Allan's sister and her husband who had year-long sabbaticals in Europe. As Allan followed the business path instead of the academic, that never became a reality for us. But coming here now for 11 years, and spending an increasing amount of time -- this year it will be 5 weeks-- it comes close to living in Europe like a local.
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