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 Joanna Adduci is a Northport resident, currently working as a writer. She has a B.S. in Journalism from St. John's University and is active within her community working as a blogger and musician. She enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking and performing with her dad in their LI-based cover band, Next Generation. Joanna can be reached by e-mail at: joanna.adduci10@gmail.com. |
| During a recent trip to Portugal, I had the pleasure of visiting the Azores Islands. A group of nine islands located roughly 800 miles off the coast of Portugal, I was lucky enough to tour most of Sao Miguel Island and Terceira Island after visiting Lisbon and Fatima. Designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2009 by UNESCO, these islands are truly mesmerizing. Reminiscent of time spent in Ireland, my four days here were spent submerged in greenery and immensely connected to Nature. Not normally a “nature enthusiast”, I was skeptical of my active adventures, and overall experience. I perused the itinerary and noticed we’d be visiting volcanic cooking holes, a tea plantation, and plenty of city sightseeing. The days would be 10+ hours long, and would include a hefty amount of walking. Looking back, I can’t imagine not witnessing the vistas of these spectacular islands. Among my favorite memories in Terceira Island was an afternoon spent driving through the mountains. Cows grazing in the fluorescent green pastures, the sun setting in the distance – there are truly no words to explain the feelings that arise in moments like these. Often we were delayed by cow crossings – something I regularly enjoyed. In Sao Miguel Island, I would visit the belvedere over Sete Cidades Lake – one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. I would then visit Fire Lake, the volcanic cooking holes by Furnas Lake, and Ponta Delgada. In Terceira Island (my favorite by far) I would visit Monte Brasil Belvedere, the wine region of Biscoitos and local ceramic shops and restaurants. Time stands still in Azores. You won’t see people on their cell phones, working franticly, or taking pictures primarily for their social media followers. Instead, you’ll notice pilgrims walking steadily, focused on their mission. You’ll see farmers tending to their animals, as they happily graze in the fields. Restaurant goers spending 2-3 hours enjoying a meal – sharing wine, laughing, and talking. It is truly a special way to live, and I’m so grateful I was able to experience it, even for a few days. It is truly my favorite part of traveling internationally to new locations – being pulled out of my comfort zone and witnessing things from a new perspective. This trip taught me the importance of slowing down and remembering what’s important – the splendor of simplicity, and valuing the present moment. I returned to the States with great admiration and wonder, sharing my stories of the islands and their people; their traditions, their food, their lifestyle – a place that I hope to return to soon. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 