Volcanically active island in the middle of the ocean... Yeah, that feels familiar.

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And while the Azores definitely have a very "Hawai‘i" like vibe to them, they also feel distinctly different, an island chain unique, unlike any other. The whole while there, though, I couldn't help but feel that this is what Hawai‘i would have looked like had the Portuguese arrived before the Polynesians - their distinct architecture using the lava rocks to build churches and houses that feel familiar, and yet don't.

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We only got the briefest of looks at the Azores by visiting São Miguel, the "main" island of the chain. From what we saw, though, we were immensely impressed with the island's beauty, charm, and culture. Be sure to take the two hour flight from Lisbon to these islands - you'll feel a world away, and be glad of it.

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