Yes, I hitchhiked! That is not something I imagined myself saying even 2 months ago (I mean, it’s usually frowned on in the US). But, I hitchhiked. Five different times to be exact. Why did I have the crazy idea to hitchhike on my trip to the Azores? Guidebooks and internet research presented the Azores as one of the safest places in the world to hitchhike. So, I figured, “Why not go for it?” Taxis are outrageously expensive on the islands, as they sort of have a monopoly on “public” transportation (4 buses a day is not convenient in the slightest, although we are talking about a tiny island). But, the best benefit was probably the lovely Azoreans we met along the way. These are there stories (well at least what I could glean in a very short period of time).
The Nurse
Our first goal was to get ourselves to Horta after we landed at the airport. Shiloh and I had no interest in walking all the way to the city, as it was a 9 km (5.6 miles) walk. With all of our luggage in tow, that would have been a hefty task. So, we found a place to stake our claim, hoping it was a good location. Turns out it did not matter. The first time we stuck out our thumbs, the first car stopped. The driver was Kátia, a young woman who works at the hospital. Her English was better than my Portuguese will ever be (a trend I noticed…why can’t our education system have more of an emphasis on language skills! They’re just thrown to the side!). She was heading to Horta to take care of her friend, also a nurse. She seemed shy, but I would be too if I was speaking to native speakers of a secondary language! I also saw general characteristics of kindness in her eyes, and loyalty. She was driving all the way across the island to take care of her friend! She was our introduction to the Azorean people, and I must say it was a good representation of what was to come.
The Sweethearts
Shiloh and I had no need to hitchhike until the last day of our trip, when our goal destination was Praia do Almoxarife, only a 2.5 mile walk, but with a steep bluff in our way. Again, with all our stuff in tow (and being exhausted from the muscle killer that is Pico) we had no motivation to climb. This time, we were not as successful (relative terms). The first car we stopped was actually a taxi (WHOOPS!) and we had to inform the driver that we had no money (not really true, but we really didn’t want to spend money). But, after 10 minutes, humanity prevailed, and this elderly couple picked us up. They spoke minimal English, but that was fine. Their pleasant tone of voice revealed more than enough. The chattered happily with each other in Portuguese, and I could see the true love and devotion they had. They were also sweethearts; they went out of their way to take us to our final destination, saving us the pain of having to walk another mile. This experience was proof that you do not need to understand what people are saying to actually understand them. Actions go farther than words!
The Californian
Our third hitchhiking adventure definitely saved our lives. It was a 1 mile walk to the top of the hill to get back to the main road. It was hot and humid. There was little to no breeze. Then, our savior, Jim, came to the rescue. He rolled up in his truck, and we were surprised to hear an American accent. In the 1980’s, Jim and his wife had bought a boat and sailed the world together. When they arrived at Faial, Jim was struck by the quiet beauty of the island, and couldn’t imagine himself leaving. He had found what would be his home for 30 years. He bought cheap land, and stayed on Faial for a year, briefly returning to Florida, before coming back to Faial, never to return to the US again. He’d rather enjoy his island life, and vacation to Europe. He now has a house and lifestyle that he could never give up. Honestly, Jim is living the dream. And his kindness did not go unnoticed. He took us all the way into Horta, a journey that would have taken us ages. The stories he regaled us with were entertaining, and inspired my wanderlust just a little bit more.
The Working Friends
Our next goal was to get to the airport from Horta. A pair of working men helped us out. These two men were prime examples of the two main industries on the island: tourism and fishing. One was a waiter working at Peter’s Sports Cafe, which is viewed as a “necessary” stop for the horde of yachters that moor here every year. The government worker helps regulate fishing, making sure that fisherman release small fish to keep fish populations healthy and thriving. They got us halfway to the airport, and chatted amicably with us about this and that. That is another character I noticed about the Azorean. They are always willing to talk to you. At home, we are taught not to talk to strangers. It is a danger not to be tested. Here, it is a necessity to chat with those you meet. You learn much about their character, and the character of the island.
The Mom and her Son
Within a minute after we were dropped off by the two men, our final ride picked us up. A mom and her son. The mom had just finished her first day of school for the year, teaching geology and other sciences. She was slightly stressed out, but still kind enough to take us all the way to the airport! Our activity was not irregular to her; we were not the first people she had given a ride too. I wish that it was sociably acceptable to show appreciation to those who hitched us a grand total of 10 miles that day. Alas, we hope that the stories and information we gave them were worth their time. If not, kudos to the Azoreans for the unrequited acts of kindness!
Interesting in hitchhiking? Hitch Wiki helped this hitchhiking virgin immensely. (It also revealed to me how extremely lucky we were to not have to wait for more than 10 minutes for a ride)
Thanks for reading! This was the last of three blogs about the “Three P’s” of the Azores. This was also the first in a series of blogs in which I will highlight Portuguese people I meet, so that my readers can gain a better understanding of the people I am casually walking amongst every day. This may become more frequent later in my travels, as my Portuguese knowledge rises past Kindergarten level… Please let me know how I’m doing, and subscribe for e-mail updates about when I post. Thanks again!
Jeremy Caldeira
Jeremy, I am really enjoying your adventures in writing. I am kind of envious of your ability to travel the world with the ease you seem to possess. Keep writing–enjoy your time, stay safe (spoken from the mom in me) looks like fun. With my new job, once I get a passport and time-I want to travel Europe. You are giving me great incite.
Sharon
Glad I can inspire you! It’s been a lot of fun so far! God has blessed me immensely!
If you’re looking for a vacation that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed, look no further than the Azores. These islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, stunning scenery, and mild climate making them a perfect choice for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. Now you can visit https://www.essayontime.com/do-my-assignment/ to get reliable data easily. In this post, we’ll show you some of the best places to visit on the Azores and explain why they’re so popular with tourists. So whether you’re planning your next vacation or just want to know what’s hot on the tourist trail.
Huomaan, että matkanne oli erittäin hauska. Sinun olisi pitänyt lisätä enemmän kuvia tähän artikkeliin, olisimme halunneet enemmän kuvia. Pidin taksille osoittamastasi ilmeestä, kun sanoit, että “meidän oli ilmoitettava kuljettajalle, että meillä ei ole rahaa”. Toivottavasti sinulla on siitä hyviä muistoja. Seuraavat, suosittelen kokeilla eniten ilmaiskierroksia ilman talletusta kasinoilla. Jos olet tarpeeksi onnekas, voit ansaita paljon rahaa, jotta voit nauttia lomastasi ja ostaa mitä haluat.
The Azores is a beautiful place to live. When I retired I thought about moving there. My avo was born there and she told me how nice it is. They were poor but happy. She lived to be 2002. but i get information in Wikipedia before going to there, i am trust online WIkipedia, because they provide true information, i am also a wiki writer at professional Wikipedia writing services in US
Greetings, dear friends! Welcome to “The Pleasant Azorean,” where every moment is a chance to embrace serenity amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Azores. As you step into our retreat center, be prepared to be enchanted by the harmonious blend of tranquility, nature’s charm, and the warm embrace of our haven.
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What an engaging and insightful account of Jeremy’s hitchhiking experiences in the Azores! It’s refreshing to see how the Azores’ reputation for being a safe place to hitchhike influenced his decision to try it out. The stories of the various people he met during his journeys add a personal touch and provide a glimpse into the kindness and openness of the local Azorean community.
I appreciate how Jeremy not only shares his own experiences but also takes the time to highlight the professions and backgrounds of the people who helped him. This approach not only makes the story more relatable but also helps readers gain a better understanding of the local culture.
The inclusion of Hitch Wiki as a helpful resource for hitchhiking is a valuable piece of information for anyone considering a similar adventure. It’s also exciting to hear that this post marks the beginning of a new series focusing on Portuguese individuals Jeremy encounters during his travels.
Keep up the fantastic storytelling, Jeremy! Your readers are surely looking forward to more updates on your Azores series and the upcoming series featuring Portuguese individuals. Don’t forget to encourage your readers to subscribe for e-mail updates and to leave their thoughts and feedback. Safe travels for your upcoming school term, and here’s to more enriching stories ahead!
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