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