This trip to the Azores will explore critical marine issues and broader conservation themes through the integrated lenses of marine science, historical perspectives, and future-oriented strategies. Focusing on large marine mammals and the deep sea/open ocean ecosystems, participants will engage in comprehensive studies to understand the complexities of marine conservation. This journey will provide insights into the historical and current challenges these ecosystems face and develop innovative approaches for their future preservation.
Day 1
Our day began bright and early when we landed in Ponte Delgado at six AM local time. From theairport we traveled to the Geo Thermal hot springs and basked in its beauty. From the hot springs we traveled to Funas stew which is where our lunch was being cooked in a pot buried underneath the hot volcanic soil of the furnace valley. After lunch we went to one of the most well known botanical gardens in Europe. The garden consisted of lots of different species of flowers and other plants as well as ponds full of bright orange koi fish. After the garden we went to a little bakery for a local cheese tasting. The bakery also had some pastries and ice cream that were amazing. To end off the day, we had dinner at the best restaurant on the island, Tasca. We tried octopus prepared in different ways and other staple Portuguese dishes. -Jack
Day 2
On day 2 of the Azores we started the day with a great breakfast and drove up to a beautiful waterfall and scenic viewing spot. We took many photos and walkedaround, visited the local shop by the waterfall and learned about the history of how they used waterfalls to grind up grains. We then set off to our next activity. After the waterfall we visited a tea factory, we learned about different types and how it’s made and got to try the teas. We looked at the many machines and learned about the jobs that you can have there from a local that used to work there. After we toured the tea factory we set off to a pineapple plantation. At the plantation we learned about the process of growing pineapple in the Azores and tried lots of pineapple foods and drinks. After getting back to hotel, we split into groups and got lunch wherever we wanted. While walking through the streets of Ponta Delgada, we bought a soccer ball and dribbled it in the streets with local people. This helped us connect with locals and have a fun time. After that we set out to travel to a small fortress located by the sea. Although it was extremely windy, we managed to go to the top of the fortress and look down on the ocean. There were old artifacts and weapons from many years ago on display as well. We learned a lot about the fortress and how it was protection from oncoming raids in WW2. we ended off the day with a good seafood dinner we ate lots of fish and learned about the fishing industry and culture that comes with it. -Finn
Images from day 2: coffee, canons, pineapples and panoramas!
Day 3
Today we went to a bee farm and met a local who showed us her bee hives. We learned about the types of bees, the queen, the workers, and the drone bees. The queens only come out of the hive once in their lifetime and the drones don’t have stingers! The bees only live approximately 30-40 days! We wore bee suits to get up close with the bees. We also made seed balls out of clay, plant seeds, and soil and planted them in the ground for the bees to pollinate. We got to sample honey that was made fresh on the farm. Then we went to lunch at a buffet style restaurant and tried new foods. There were many different types of foods to try. For example, tuna, octopus, and eel! Our kayaking trip got cancelled unfortunately due to the wind but we got to see a lot of good views, many animals, and on our drive we saw an abandoned hotel! We saw lagoons which were formed from volcanic eruptions and then filled with rainwater over millions of years ago. We then had free time to play soccer or explore the city and lastly a pizza dinner! -Kelsey