Notable Souvenirs - Saint Michael, Azores

Deciding what to bring back from Saint Michael can be quite difficult since the Portuguese make many quality products. Here is a list of a few examples you might want to take home with you:
1. Wine.
2. Cheese like Saint Jorge's.
3. Gold jewelry. The Portuguese use 18k which is purer than most American jewelry.
4. Terracota (barro) items like a grill (assador de barro), vases or candlesticks. These are often beautifully painted with acrylic white, blue and yellow paint.
5. Rosaries and religious items from Santo Cristo dos Milagres.
6. Hand painted porcelain tiles depicting Portuguese scenes or buildings. These are usually white and blue.

Notable Souvenirs - France

France is known for many a splendid thing but here are some notable items you might want to consider bringing for yourself or loved one:
- Macaroons. Places like Paul or Ladurée package them for travel (but they are still VERY delicate so carry on and keep a close eye on them).
- Wine especially from the Burgundy or Provence.
- Champagne from....Champagne!
- Dijon mustard from....Dijón!
- Chocolate.
- French milled soaps.
- French perfume - maybe some local and exclusive to Europe?
- Luxury goods from French brands like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Cartier, DuPont, Boucheron, Chanel...the list goes on....
- Hand painted prints from local artists. I bought three from one who was painting along the Seine - I kid you not - totally stereotypical but totally true.
- Antiques from France like tea cups and sets, vases or perfume flasks make unique gifts (Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt is a flea market with 1,000 vendors!).

Tips on Visiting Saint Michael, Azores

Here are some helpful tips before traveling:

1. Research modes of transportation. The island is large. You can use cabs or rent a car (driving is scary - narrow roads, unfamiliar terrain). Not quite familiar with public transportation.

2. Organize a rough itinerary with details like directions, ways of getting to destinations and time

    needed for each entry on your list.

3. Research airfare for various months since flights' costs vary by hundred of dollars depending on month, day of the week or even day of the month.

4. Talk to people who've been there - they can give you firsthand insight so you can avoid misses while on your vacation.

5. Research attractions since many are seasonal (i.e. Santo Cristo feast, local feasts and festivals).

6. Research seasonalities to know what you're in for - mild winters are still marked with humid cold, springs can get quite rainy and cloudy and summers are very humid.

7. Know the key words in the language spoken. 

8. Make a list of all the essentials you'll need to bring (i.e. toiletries, money, passport, alarm clock, converters, etc.).

9. Pack a week in advance that way you're not scrambling and feeling you forgot something or rushing

    to do last-minute laundry because your favorite blouse is still in the wash.

10. Bring a pocket dictionary with you - wherever you go. It comes in handy since not everyone you encounter will speak English.

11. Buy your currency BEFORE the trip. I'll admit, I didn't research and track the currency rates but I knew I didn't want to try and find the kiosk and go through the lines when I got to Ponta Delgada after a red-eye flight. This avoids the hassle and prevents you from being at the mercy of high currency rates or fees.

12. Wear something comfy for the flight. You'll be better suited to sleep or relax with a movie. 

13. In your carry-on, bring a change of clothes, face wipes like Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit oil-free cleansing wipes , "portable" toothbrush like Colgate Wisp, deodorant and anything you need to do a quick fresh-up.

14.  Also, carry on an eye mask. You never know when the bookworm or insomniac is seated next to you.

15. Before you book your flight, make sure your Passport is still and will be valid during your trip. If not, make sure you allow more than enough time for renewal.

16. Bring a travel alarm. The hotels may not always have them.

17. Always carry pain relievers, stomach remedies and anything else you might need with you - especially with new foods and differing time zones - headaches and stomach aches have no vacation, but you do.

18. Wear glasses? Bring them - even if it's only for distance. 

19. Bring warm and cold weather clothes regardless of season.

20. Bring your swimsuit even if you don't plan to use it - the mineral baths are 75-80º F so it's a comfortable swim even if it's a little cool (except when you get out!).

21. Don't forget your camera - or its charger! I once went on vacation and had a fit after my battery

      died. Luckily, my brother brought his camera too.

22. Walking a lot, walking a little - either way, wear flats. Saint Michael has cobble stone streets, gardens with dirt paths - you'll want something casual and comfortable. Even if you think you'll be walking a short distance, you could get lost or change plans and will be glad you're feet aren't stopping you from keeping to your itinerary.

23. Be smart, be safe and have fun!

Places to Go in Saint Michael, Azores

My parents were born and raised in Saint Michael - the Azores largest island. Sao Miguel, as the Portuguese call it, boasts a multitude of natural wonders from hot springs to calderas. Going there is like journeying to the past - people aren't in a hurry, culture thrives and horse and carriage is a common mode of transportation. Having most of my relatives still there, I find myself in Saint Michael every few

years. Through these trips, I have garnered some intel on where to go...

- Furnas - This town, located in the Povaoçao region of the island, is known for its caldera volcanoes. You'll know you're close when you can smell the sulfur in the air. These calderas are even used to cook food - form poultry to vegetables. You can spend a whole day here - touring the several active volcanoes, soaking your feet in the iron-rich waters from the hot springs and picnicking on the grounds of the Lagao das Furnas (Furnas Lagoon).

One of the Several Caldera in Furnas

- Ponta Delgada - The Azorean capital, Ponta Delgada, is the most urban and metropolitan area in the archipelago. Right on the coast is the three archways landmark called As Portas da Cidade (The Doors of the City). Here is the city square where stores and restaurants abound. Ponta Delgada is home to the famous Portuguese icon of Santo Cristo dos Milagres ("Holy Christ of the Miracles"). The sixteenth century bust is housed in a chamber on exhibit at the monastery of Our Lady of Hope ("Monasteria da Nossa Senhora de Esperança"). This miraculous statue is lovingly cared for by the monastery's nuns. The people's devotion to Santo Cristo is stirring and inspiring. 

Santo Cristo dos Milagres

-Also a must-see in Ponta Delgada are the old buildings strewn about the city including the nearly five hundred year-old St. Sebastian's Church ("Igreja do S. Sebastião"), St. Peter's Church ("Igreja do S. Pedro") and St. Joseph's Church ("Igreja do S. José").

Igreja do S. José 

Igreja do S. José - Main Altar

- Sete Cidades - The "Seven Cities" is known for its two lakes of water separated only by a corridor-like isthmus of water. Despite being one entity, one body appears blue while the other appears green. A summit caldera lies underneath this natural wonder. The town is very quaint, quiet and old world.

Lagoa das Sete Cidades

- Caldeira Velha - The "Old Caldera" is a natural hot spring where many go to take relaxing and mineral-rich swims. Its beautiful waterfall enhances the restful ambiance. The pool is around
75-80º F. 

Caldeira Velha

- Lagoa de Fogo - The Lagoon of Fire is a short distance from Caldeira Velha. The "lagoon" is actually a crater lake with a caldera that is partially submerged under it. Lagoa de Fogo is located in the central of the island and makes for a beautiful sight when spotted atop the surrounding mountains.

Lagoa de Fogo

Tips on Visiting Northern France

In researching, trial and error, and being-as-prepared-as-possible, I have arrived at a list of tips when traveling to Northern France, and, anywhere for that matter. Yes, some may be obvious but my Type-A/should-have-been-a-girl-scout self knows no other way:
1. Research what regions you want to go.
2. Organize a rough itinerary with details like directions, ways of getting to destinations and time
    needed for each entry on your list.
3. Talk to people who've been there. I was going to go in August but my grandmother, a once-avid
    traveler, warned that the country is on holiday in August (I have not yet confirmed this but who's
    taking the risk?).
4. Know the key words in the language spoken. Many I spoke to warned that the French were rude and stuffy. As one friend told me, and I can affirm, if you approach locals with at least a "bonjour," you're golden. Turns out, the French are VERY nice and helpful. I was even mistaken for a local a few times - how about that?! The point is: don't go to another country assuming the people speak English. I bought a course off iTunes, "Last-Minute French (Unabridged)" by Elisabeth Smith. It was great - it got right to the basics and prepared me with some essentials in the short time I had.
5. Make a list of all the essentials you'll need to bring (i.e. toiletries, money, passport, alarm clock, etc.).
6. Pack a week in advance that way you're not scrambling and feeling you forgot something or rushing
    to do last-minute laundry because your favorite blouse is still in the wash.
6. Bring a pocket dictionary with you - wherever you go. I'll try anything - with limitations. So, I guess I won't try ANYTHING. Anyway, I carried a little French dictionary I bought at Target in my purse. It was great to use when I wanted to order a meal.
7. Buy your currency BEFORE the trip. I'll admit, I didn't research and track the currency rates but I knew I didn't want to try and find the kiosk and go through the lines when I got to Paris at 6AM, Paris time. This avoids the hassle and prevents you from being at the mercy of high currency rates or fees.
8. Wear something comfy for the flight. You'll be better suited to sleep or relax with a movie. I wore sweats, a hoodie, fleece socks and slippers - no lie. Yes, I landed in the Fashion Capital of the World with a gym outfit, puffy socks and fleeze booties.
9. In your carry-on, bring a change of clothes, face wipes like Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit oil-free cleansing wipes , "portable" toothbrush like Colgate Wisp, deodorant and anything you need to do a quick fresh-up.
10.  Also, carry on an eye mask. You never know when the bookworm or insomniac is seated next to you.
11. Before you book your flight, make sure your Passport is still and will be valid during your trip. If not, make sure you allow more than enough time for renewal.
12. Bring a travel alarm. The hotels may not always have them.
13. Print out a metro map and bring it in your purse.
14. Always carry pain relievers, stomach remedies and anything else you might need with you - especially with new foods and differing time zones - headaches and stomach aches have no vacation, but you do.
15. Wear glasses? Bring them - even if it's only for distance. I was glad to wear mine and be able to see the Cathedral of Notre Dame's intricate exterior in detail!
16. Bring warm and cold weather clothes regardless of season.
17. Bring your swimsuit even if you don't plan to use it. When we went to Omaha Beach, I was surprised swimming was allowed - had I wanted to delve into the cold water, I could.
18. Don't forget your camera - or its charger! I once went on vacation and had a fit after my battery
      died. Luckily, my brother brought his camera too.
19. Walking a lot, walking a little - either way, wear flats. France has old streets that aren't always even.     Even if you think you'll be walking a short distance, you could get lost or change plans and will be glad you're feet aren't stopping you from keeping to your itinerary (or those macaroons).
20. Be smart, be safe and have fun!

Places to Go in Northern France: Normandie & Paris

Based on my awesome, five-day dream vacation, these are places I would HIGHLY recommend going:

Paris

- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 50 Avenue Hoche Paris 75008 - This small, easy-to-miss chapel is known as "The English-Speaking Catholic Church of Paris" and served as an ideal place to attend my Sunday obligation.

- The Louvre - It is the largest palace-turned-art museum and is easily the most famous museum in the world. Built in the twelfth century, it boasts pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Victory of Samothrace. In addition to paintings and sculptures, the museum is home to artifacts including old bottles, Grecian pottery, Egyptian artisanry and a mummy. You'll be looking all around when walking through the palace - straight ahead for the exhibits and up above for the ornate ceiling frescoes.

Louvre

- Le Arc de Triomphe; Place Charles De Gaulle - Built in 1806, the Arc is a neoclassical portal that reminds one of the Nazi invasion and eventual Allied victory of WWII. The monument is worthy of its fame simply for the allure attributed to its iconic moments in WWII history.

Arc de Triomphe

 - The Eiffel Tower - Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the perhaps-most-famous landmark was built in 1889 to commemorate the French Revolution's centenary. Seventy-two leading nineteenth-century French scientists and engineers' last names are engraved on the tower's four sides in appreciation of their contributions to science. One can ascend to the top of the tower even at sunset. Sadly, we were late in arriving and unable to go up due to the hundreds of people in line.

The Eiffel Tower from a Distance

Closeup 

- Place de Concorde - It is the largest square in Paris. In 1763, the square was known as Place de la Révolution. Over one thousand people were beheaded here including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Cleopatra's Needle, a tall pink obelisk from Ramses II's temple in Thebes, is located at the center of the square. It is covered with hieroglyphs depicting the reign of Ramses II & III. Images on the pedestal detail its 1836 transportation to Paris. 

Place de Concorde

- Opera Garnier - Also known as the Paris Opera, the baroque-styled opera house was built in 1858. Broadway enthusiasts will love visiting the landmark that inspired The Phantom of the Opera.
- Notre Dame Cathedral - Built in the twelfth century, the gothic cathedral is one of the city's most beautiful buildings. The exterior is covered in elaborate detail and reliefs of saints. Its interior is breathtaking with its many stained glass windows. The cathedral is divided into small open chapels with icons including Our Lady of Guadalupe and Joan of Arc. Pilgrims congregate here every day of the week - whether it is to light a candle for intercession or attend mass. A great place to witness examples of faith and love in the Lord.

Notre Dame's Main Entrance

Notre Dame Profile

- The River Seine - I like to think of the river as the vein of Paris. It runs through its middle and grants access to just about all the Parisian monuments whether it be the Eiffel Tower or Louvre. The Batobus is a boat that has stops at the eight major attractions that line the Seine. I recommend using its service for its inexpensive accessibility to Paris' most beloved landmarks. 

Batobus

Love Locks on the Pont de Arts (Bridge of the Arts)

-Chapel of the Miraculous Medal; Rue de Bac 140, 7th  Arondissement - Housed in a modest compound run by the Vincentian fathers and Daughters of Charity, the chapel is where the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine of Laboure. These apparitions led to the creation and dissemination of the Miraculous Medal which has been attributed to many miracles.  The chapel is also the resting place of  the incorruptible St. Catherine of Laboure, the relics of St. Louise de Marillac and the heart of St. Vincent de Paul. 

Chapel of the Miraculous Medal

Altar

Versailles

- Chateau de Versailles - Built in 1682 by the Sun King, Louis XIV, the compound was originally intended to be a hunting lodge but, instead, became the summer home to the monarch and his wife, Marie Antoinette. The enormous palace includes beautiful frescoes, art, impeccable grounds and rooms such as the Hall of Mirrors, King’s Grand Apartments and Marie Antoinette's private estate.

Inside the Gates 

Grounds

Hall of Mirrors

Rouen, Normandy

- Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen - Located at Place du General de Gaulle, the gothic church served as the subject of several of Claude Monet’s paintings. It is still undergoing restoration from WWII bombings. Notable features include its Lady Chapel and ambulatory monuments like Richard the Lion Heart’s which holds his heart. The stained glass windows and colossal archways are enduring testaments to the French's devotion to God. 

Restoration of the Cathedral

Interior

- Place du Vieux Marché - Rouen's main square is where St. Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. The modern Joan of Arc Church is located in the middle and was designed to resemble flames to commemorate its namesake's martyrdom. To the left of the church is a large cross marking the exact location of Joan's death. There is also a monument illustrating the event in the corner of the Church behind the cross.

Joan of Arc Church

- Tour Jeanne-d'Arc - Originally the Chateau de Rouen, this tower is where Joan of Arc was tried and sentenced to death for heresy in 1431.

Joan of Arc Tower

D Day Beaches; Vierville-sur-Mer

- Omaha Beach - One of the five beaches involved in Operation Overlord, Omaha Beach is the site closest to the Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial. On  June 6, 1944, 100,000 lives were lost in the D Day attacks on the French coast. The battle ultimately led to the Nazi Defeat shortly after. 

Omaha Beach

- Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial - Over 14,000 American soldiers are buried here. Traditionally, Jews and Christians were and are buried in separate cemeteries but in Normandy, comrades were buried together despite the prevalent Anti-Semitism of the time. Markers are either shaped as crosses or stars of David. The beautifully manicured grounds feature the Walls of the Missing, a chapel and monuments dedicated to some of WWII's fallen heroes. Nearly seventy years later, loved ones still come to pay their respects and leave yellow roses. 

Buried Together

"Spirit of American Youth"