Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island

Ponta Delgada, August 2026

This was a three-day pairing with one night-stop in Paris and another one in Ponta Delgada. It also included a turnaround to Terceira Island. The two pictures below were taken at Lajes Airport and Thiais (Île-de-France).

I didn't do much in Thiais and we arrived very late in the day at Ponta Delgada. I had a two nights layover in Ponta Delgada last year and I already wrote about it. But that time I took a tour around the island instead of visiting the city. This time I wanted to take a little stroll in a place that I last visited in the year 2000.

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Ponta Delgada

This was the pool view from my room. It was early in the morning so nobody was there yet.

Then I just ventured through the city.

Down below, probably the most famous landmark, the three arches named "Portas da Cidade" at Gonçalo Velho square.

At 11am the sun was shining and temperatures were like 27 ºC already. So many people took the opportunity to get a tan.

This commemorative plaque is dedicated to the SATA founders and it can be found in the building where they run the first headquarters of the airline. Today, SATA doesn't even have a ticket office outside the airport.

Summertime means several stages are set up in Portuguese cities for music bands and outdoor entertainment in the evenings.

And a clear view of the City Hall...

I only had a morning to see the city but the fact is that there's not much to see in Ponta Delgada. They also have the São Brás fortress (which I didn't photograph)and Mercado da Graça market (which I didn't visit)... and that's it. Visiting the whole Island is what it is really worth it. 

Back to the hotel, the pool was already getting crowded. And a final photo of a SATA Air Açores Dash aircraft before flying back home on a A321neo.

My first time in Toulouse

Toulouse, June 2016

Back in 2016, Portugália Airlines was replacing their fleet of old Fokker 100 and EMB-145 with newer ERJ 190s. During that transition period, sometimes the mainline had to provide aircraft to fill in on some usual routes which were tipically operated by Portugália.

I was lucky to be assigned a short night stop in Toulouse and get the chance to catch a glimpse of the city.

My first photo was taken at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport with our Airbus A319 CS-TTI Eça de Queirós parked on a remote position:

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Place du Capitole

It is with no surprise that the first spot where we landed was the Place du Capitole, the heart of the city.

Then, after some refreshments, we just wandered around with no specific direction.

Euro 2016, a football competition between european national teams, was taking place already in France. In the end, Portugal was the winner of this tournament.

We ended our day at Port de la Daurade / Promenade Henri Martin with a nice view over the Garonne river. I wasn't aware that Toulouse was a true university town. But while at this place, and being almost summer, one could definitely feel that vibe with so many students enjoying their drinks and having fun outdoors.

Pont Neuf

Hôtel Dieu Saint-Jacques

This was a very, very short layover but it was definitely worth it. I'd love to come back again to Toulouse one day.

Pont Saint-Pierre

We would return to our home base next day, deadheading on a Portugália ERJ 190 registered CS-TPW. I remember I took the opportunity to buy some Airbus souvenirs at the airport. Don't forget that Toulouse is also the home to one of the most important Airbus' final assembly lines.

Sagrada Família structurally completed

Barcelona, June 2026

So here are the photos of Sagrada Família already with the tower of Jesus Christ completed with its impressive cross on top. Just in time for the celebrations of the centenary of Gaudi's death.

 

Cranes were still present and although the external structure is almost 100% completed, the inside of the church will keep workers busy for many years to come.

During this layover I also finished reading the Project Hail Mary, my 7th book so far this year.

Aeroteca store / Barceloneta full of beachgoers

Barcelona, May 2026

This was my last layover of the month. I usually like to walk but since the weather was too hot I bought the Metro daily pass for €13,50.

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Aeroteca / Simuteca

The first stop of the day was this aviation hobby store that I became aware of in 2023, while on holidays, but I couldn't visit because they were closed for the siesta time. They still have that opening schedule in place but this time I could plan the visit! The nearest metro station is Joanic. They have lots of aviation books, some models for sale, key holders, lanyards... You can also book simulator sessions.

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Barceloneta Beach

With such crazy summer temperatures I really wanted to check on Barceloneta and feel its vibe. And yeah... the beach was full of people sunbathing even though it was a working day!

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Vila Olímpica

Architecture is a favorite subject of mine... Below you can see the Mapfre Building and Hotel Arts Barcelona:

Per roster, I shall be visiting Barcelona again in June. I plan to take some pictures of Sagrada Família which has its main structure now complete.

London, already a Summer feel in May

London, May 2026

So far this year I've been lucky with recurrent layovers in London, my favorite European capital. And I've been lucky with the weather too.

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Buckingham Palace

I took the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow Airport to Hyde Park Corner. I wanted to see the Buckingham Palace first and then cross the St James Park. I'm not using my Oyster card anymore. I got mine in 2010 so it was a previous generation card with many restricted functions today... But you can add a Revolut card on the TfL Go app and use it as a contactless payment on all underground stations. The daily cap still applies as long as you use the same payment card all day long. So, absolutely no need to get another Oyster.

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St James Park

Whenever the sun shines in London, you can see Londoners being Londoners...

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Household Cavalry

Next place of interest was this gravel square, the Household Cavalry...

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The London Eye

... and the London Eye with a clear blue sky!

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The Big Ben

This was the first time I was seeing the Big Ben after the recent major renovation works. It looks beautiful!

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Miscellaneous

It was by chance that I spotted this tile "EXIT BREXIT HERE" on a low wall at the Westminster Pier. I thought it was funny.

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Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is always an imponent sight to see in London.

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Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum's is an upmarket department store famous in London. It also has a tea shop like the Harrods. I took knowledge of Fortnum's while talking with a colleague the previous day.

The inside of the building in general and its two staircases, is really very impressive. 

I found this table very curious because it had on display several ceramic pieces of a very famous Portuguese ceramics factory: Bordalo Pinheiro.

When returning to the hotel I used the Elizabeth line for the first time. The fare is a little bit more expensive than the Underground's but it only took me 30 minutes from Tottenham Court Rd to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. It was worth it even because my daily transport expenses in London were capped at £16.30, having exceeded it by £8.60.