Growing up inside the Schengen-Zone of the European Union opens great possibilities for short term travels that are planned spontaniously, as long as you move inside this zone and are part of it. No money needs to be exchanged, not even a passport is necessary even though you are obliged to hold some kind of identity card. Welcome to the free world...or not?
While I want to focus on the more on the beauty of my travel to the main island of the Archipelago in the middle of the atlantic ocean called Sao Miguel, some things need to be said about the geopolitical implications of the Schengen-Zone. So bear with me to get through some political thoughts, it will be rewarded with some pictures on what was one the greatest holidays I spent in my entire life.
In short: With the recent events like the financial meltdown in 2008 or the withdrawals of the Arab Spring like the current war in Syria, Europe invested more on its outside borders as well as inner borders instead of human aid. This was probably the first time when Europeans experienced how beneficial a Schengen-Zone is, as long as it is working and not being brought to its limits by geopolitical developments. This was probably also the first time when citizens of nations under the umbrella of the zone without borders experienced again since years how borders feel and what they imply. So while I feel the need to justify this incomprehensible fear leading to the strengthening of external borders, I would still like to invite you to travel within Europe. As long as you do not want to settle here for whatever reason, we can be very welcoming people ;-)
The Azores are an autonomous region of Portugal and composed of nine islands. The easiest way, if not the only one to get there, is through Lisbon airport. I lived for one year in Lisbon and will probably do another blog on the beauty of this city and the country itself. Even though I am not living there anymore, due to the financial crisis this country is suffering from, it will always have a special place in my heart and I gladly return regularly. And so should you !
The Azores are volcanic island, which give you the possibility to experience extraordinary things like those craters in the following picture. The main island is Sao Miguel and the main city with the airport is called Ponta Delgada. I strongly advice you to rent a car there as the public transportation is not very well developed, even on the main island with the biggest city. The islands size is perfect to be discovered by car within 3 or 4 days. While the cities itself are marvellous too, I really enjoyed the nature on Sao Miguel, which the pictures are focusing on. But have a look yourself....
Thanks to the volcanic activity you will find hot springs that sometimes are for free or charge entry all over the island. They are definitely worth it and healthy. But the water is so full of iron, you might come out looking like Donald Trump's face, so leave your fancy swimwear at home!
in one of the most famous places, Furnas, you can eat eggs that have been boiled by the volcanic heat, or enjoy the sulfuric smell steaming out of the craters.
Well, I will try not to make the post to long, as I am aware of how hard it is for people to read longer articles in times of clickbait and catchy articles. I hope my title was catchy enough to lure some people into this post...I guess time will tell. If you have any further question and fell that something needs to be added (there is clearly way more to discover), just leave a comment!