Octopus in Sao Miguel

As a seasoned traveler, I've faced my fair share of obstacles on the road. But when my extended family and I decided to take a trip to the Azores in the midst of a global pandemic, I knew we were in for a unique set of challenges.

The first hurdle came in the form of covid testing, as we all had to submit to multiple swabs and quarantines in order to ensure our safety and that of those around us. It wasn't the most pleasant experience, but we all knew it was necessary to keep ourselves and others healthy.

Once we were cleared to explore the islands, we set out on a mission to find the best food the Azores had to offer. And that's how we found ourselves at a little beach restaurant in Ribeira Grande, gazing out at the crashing waves and digging into a plate of the most delicious octopus I've ever tasted.

The dish was simple - grilled octopus with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs - but it was executed to perfection. The octopus was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of char. It was like tasting the ocean itself, and we all fell silent as we savored each bite.

As we ate, we chatted with the friendly owner of the restaurant, who told us about the local seafood traditions and the challenges of running a business during a pandemic. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, people find a way to persevere and create something beautiful.

As we finished our meal and headed back to our hotel, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this unique corner of the world with my family. Yes, the pandemic had presented its share of challenges, but it had also brought us closer together and reminded us of the importance of savoring each moment.

In the end, it was the combination of the stunning scenery, the warm hospitality, and the delicious food that made our trip to the Azores a truly unforgettable experience. And that grilled octopus dish in Ribeira Grande? It will stay with me forever, a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

A Guided Tour of East Sao Miguel.

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A Morning at Sea.

The sun was shining bright, casting its warm golden glow over the picturesque waters of Sao Miguel, Azores. I was on a fishing expedition with my family, all eager to reel in the catch of the day. But as the hours passed by, our lines remained untouched, our bait untouched, and our spirits dampened. It seemed like the fish had decided to stay away from us.

But just as we were about to call it a day, a flicker of movement caught my eye. Before we knew it, we had caught a couple of barracudas - a small victory in the grand scheme of things, but enough to put a smile on our faces.

As we made our way back to shore, our disappointment began to fade away, replaced with a sense of satisfaction at least we had something to show for our efforts. But then, a seagull, in its quest for food, got caught in our fishing line. We were all mortified, and quickly worked to release the poor bird.

But Grandpa had other ideas. He insisted that we take the barracuda back to our Airbnb and add it to our dinner plans. And while the thought of a seagull stew didn't appeal to any of us, we had to admit that the barracuda had potential.

Once we were back at the Airbnb, we got to work on preparing the fish. We marinated it in a blend of spices, and then grilled it to perfection. As we took our first bites, we were all taken aback by the exquisite flavor - tender, succulent, with a sweetness that spoke of the ocean's bounty.

We all agreed that the barracuda had exceeded our expectations, and that we had Grandpa to thank for insisting that we give it a chance. As we sat around the table, enjoying the fruits of our labor and the stunning sunset, I couldn't help but reflect on how often we underestimate the little victories in life.

Sometimes, it's the simplest things - a freshly caught fish, a stunning sunset, and the company of loved ones - that can make all the difference. And in that moment, I felt grateful for this beautiful day, this incredible family, and this newfound appreciation for the unexpected surprises that life has to offer.

It was a picture-perfect day in Sao Miguel, Azores, and my family and I were determined to make the most of it. We had chartered a fishing boat for the day, hoping to catch some fresh seafood to prepare for dinner. With my young daughter in tow, we set out to explore the deep blue waters of the Atlantic.

But as the hours passed by, it became apparent that the fish were not biting. We tried every bait and lure in our arsenal, but it seemed like the sea was just not in the mood for our little fishing adventure. As frustration mounted, we began to wonder if we had made a mistake by coming out here.

Just when we were about to give up, something caught our eye. A flash of silver in the water, and before we knew it, we had landed a couple of barracudas. It wasn't exactly the bounty we had hoped for, but it was a start.

And then, the unexpected happened. A seagull swooped down to snatch our bait and ended up getting caught on our hook. We were all shocked and a little horrified, but Grandpa was insistent that we not let the poor bird go to waste.

Back on land, we cleaned and prepared our catch, including the unfortunate seagull. We were all a little apprehensive about trying it, but Grandpa's enthusiasm was infectious. As we took our first bites of the barracuda, we were pleasantly surprised. The fish was firm and flavorful, with a delicate sweetness that perfectly complemented the salty sea air.

And as for the seagull? Well, let's just say that it was not the culinary disaster that we had feared. It turned out to be tender and succulent, with a rich, almost gamey flavor that we all agreed was surprisingly delicious.

As we sat around the table, savoring our catch and enjoying each other's company, it struck me that sometimes the best experiences are the ones that are the most unexpected. We had come to Sao Miguel hoping for a bounty of fish, but instead we had found something even more precious - a shared sense of adventure and a newfound appreciation for the unexpected.

A Guided Photography Tour of Terceira.

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Five Musts When Visiting the Azores.

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