"More Cows than People"

Ola! My irmaozinho, David, and I did another trip with GAdventures to Azores, Portugal. This was specifically a hiking tour and although the weather was a bit damp, the temperature stayed between 16 and 21C the entire time, so nice for walking. There are 9 islands in the Azores group. They are isolated and have an interesting history.

We were a big group -- 17 of various nationalities and ages. Based in Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel Isl.) and then Angra do Heroismo (Terceira Isl.), we did several of the popular hikes (Ribeira Funda to Maiai, Lagoa do Fogo (lake of fire), Sete Cidades, Rocha do Chambre, Mistérios Negros and Algar do Carvão lava caves). Some were quite strenuous (steep with poor footing). Some of us used hiking sticks. The guides kept us from wandering off track.

Not much fauna but lots of flora: agapanthus, hydrangea, calla lillies, hibiscus, bird of paradise. Some lovely gardens but lots in the wild. too.

Food: Seafood was common -- swordfish, octopus, squid. Usually with boiled vegetables. One classic dish is a stew cooked in the ground in a fumarole for 7 hours.

The islands are lush from wet mild winters and host the oldest tea plantation in Europe.

Some of us had the courage for a swim in the Altlantic. And a soak in a hot springs.

There is a bull fighting culture (no bulls are killed) and an annual running of the bulls through a small town (we skipped it).

Here's a link to an album of photos: album. Some of the photos were taken by others in the group. ate logo