12  Porto Moniz: Pools of Fire and Water

Mia and Little Bird rode a bright yellow bus along the island’s edge, cliffs towering on one side and the ocean crashing on the other.

“Where are we going today?” Mia asked, eyes wide.

“To Porto Moniz,” chirped Little Bird, “home to magical natural swimming pools formed by lava long ago.”

As they rode, he explained the story: “Millions of years ago, a great volcano erupted under the sea. Lava flowed and cooled, shaping this island and its many wonders—including the pools we’ll see today.”

Mia leaned her head against the window, imagining fire meeting water, creating something beautiful.

When they arrived, the view took her breath away. Black lava rocks jutted into the sea, and nestled between them were crystal-clear pools filled with shimmering ocean water.

Mia changed into her swimsuit and tiptoed down white stone steps into the water. It was cool and refreshing. Shoals of little fish darted around her toes.

“It’s like swimming inside a volcano made of light!” she laughed.

She floated on her back, watching seagulls soar overhead. The wind whispered ancient stories, and the waves kissed the rocks in rhythm.

Later, as the sun began to dip and paint the pools gold, Mia sat on a warm rock with Little Bird beside her.

“The Earth made this,” she whispered, in awe.

Little Bird nodded. “And now it’s part of your adventure forever.”

Mia smiled, her heart glowing like the lava beneath her feet.