From hitchhiking to hot springs: Three lifelong friends reunite on São Miguel

Three friends, who first traveled together in their early twenties, reunited on São Miguel in the Azores to celebrate their birthdays and test their enduring travel compatibility. Over three decades after their initial adventures, which involved hitchhiking and minimal planning, they opted for a more comfortable, yet still adventurous, journey.

Their trip to the volcanic island involved navigating its scenic, winding roads through lush pastures and past crater lakes. They encountered the island's famously unpredictable weather, experiencing "four seasons in one day," which added an element of adventure despite initial hesitations from one companion about hiking in chilly conditions.

Shared living spaces provided new challenges, with snoring becoming an issue, a stark contrast to their earlier camping days. Compromise, which had once seemed effortless, now required more conscious effort as they juggled established habits from careers and families. Tensions occasionally surfaced, likened to a mist hovering over them.

A highlight of their trip was participating in a traditional cozido das Furnas workshop at the Octant Furnas. This local dish is cooked using the island's natural geothermal heat, with a pot of ingredients lowered into the volcanic soil to slow-cook. The experience offered a taste of local life and a shared activity that brought them together.

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Be prepared for four seasons in one day.