A cliff diver at the swimming pools in Biscoitos.
Praia da Vitoria beach at sunset.
Viewers can gaze the span of farmland in the center of the island, while soaking in much of the ocean’s edge. A beautiful spot for taking photographs and appreciating the island’s lush landscape, it is a true joy to see coming from our drought-stricken state. L A U R A P I R E S With only two major cities on the island, Praia da Vitoria and Angra do Heroismo, most residents live in small villages along the island’s edge, similar to the one we were staying in. Village life was very intimate, a nice change of pace from home, and a great way to become immersed with locals; from the van drivers that honked every morning when they came through selling fresh bread or fish, to the café owner that made us the most delicious cappuccinos and sangria. These daily luxuries were unbelievably inexpensive to us, and helped us experience a slower, laid back quality of life that brought focus back to people and relationships. From June to October, the villages on the island host Holy Spirit Festivals. A deeply devout people, every village is distinguished by longstanding churches and brightly painted “Imperios.” The imperios are a unique architectural structure, usually located near a church, topped with a crown, and dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit Festivals include religious parades, food booths, and bullfights in the streets known as “tourada a corda,” or bull on a rope. Picture eight brave men in traditional 42 L I F E S T Y L E | J U N E 2 0 1 6
attire of white shirts and black hats, holding onto a dangerously long rope with a menacing bull on the end. Driving around the island in the early evening, we made many a detour around these street bullfights, one of the oldest traditions on the island. While some might find this practice cruel, the residents actually have a tremendous love and respect for these bulls and consider the bullfights a form of honor. Local storytellers will tell you the bulls saved the island from a Spanish invasion. Defenseless against the Spanish weaponry, local farmers went up to the mountains and freed the bulls from the pastures, they then proceeded to chase the Spaniards off of the island and back to their ships. This romantic story gives some understanding to the interesting relationship and interaction with these animals that is unique to the island of Terceira. While driving around the island may be the best way to soak up the beautiful scenery, it’s not for the faint of heart. From bullfights in the streets, to an unexpected herd of goats or cows, and startling steep hills, drivers must be prepared for anything. And while the
local people are extremely laid back and generous, they are oddly aggressive when it comes to driving. For those adventurous enough to get behind the wheel, there are amazing places to be seen. Drivers need only to keep an eye out for signs marked “Miradouros” to find breathtaking view points. Most of these scenic lookout points include picnic areas, and a day of picnicking is a must on the island, and something we did often. Our picnics ranged from the elaborate, with caterers and karaoke, to more traditional barbeques by swimming holes. Every outing revealed how much the Portuguese people know how to “festa” and love to help visitors do the same. My favorite day on the island consisted of caravanning roughly 60 people in 11 vehicles to some of the most amazing spots on Terceira. We started at the Serra do Cume look out point. This unique Miradouro is the only spot on the island with a walk out, so you feel as if you are standing in the clouds. Viewers can gaze the span of farmland in the center of the island, while soaking in much of the ocean’s edge. A beautiful spot for taking photographs and