Can I NOT have fries with that?

We have nearly completed our five days on Sao Miguel Island, It seems as though it has been much longer.

In just a few days, we feel as though we have experienced so much. Each day we have swam in the natural fresh and salt water pools and hiked in, around and through forests, pastures, waterfalls and volcanoes. We have enjoyed the local cuisine and tried all types of restaurants from the basic seaside food truck to the linen lined table of “the best that Sao Miguel has to offer.” Without pictures on the menu, ordering food can be a challenge, it’s best not to a have an expectation but to be pleasantly surprised at what is served.

We have already created a routine of sorts: mornings with coffee, mapping out directions to our first hike followed by the obligatory swim in the ocean. As we travel through the countryside, we often stop in the small villages and take in the church and town square. We have a hearty lunch, usually shared, and a quick siesta. Awakening refreshed, the tough decision: where for dinner or do we finish our leftovers?

The meals here almost always come with french fries no matter the entree, no option of a baked potato or veggies but you can add rice if you want. The extra carbs help us get through our hiking and swimming regimen.

There is far more experienced each day than I want to write about here: the villages, the People, the churches, the coastline, the meals and on and on….here are a few highlights and things we have learned:

I have fallen once, Terri twice – I missed hitting the fresh “cow pies,” Terri – not so much😂. Her first word, “Sh!t!” It’s tough to look where you are going with so much to see around you – add some rain and things get dicey.

A beachside eatery offering great views, 1 beer, 1 wine and a local pastry: $3

Stray animals are very friendly however, any amount of attention and they quickly own you. Once, after being followed by a cute dog, we had to linger near a family enjoying a picnic, waiting for one of the kids to feed the dog that we had befriended – you fed him, he is yours now – we bolted. If we were near home, Levi would have a new live-in buddy.🐾

Our new motto: life is an adventure ride, punch your ticket.