Is there a better way to travel to a war zone than through a beautiful island?

One foggy January morning, en route to Iraq, we landed on Ilha Terceira, Azores. Ilha Terceira, or the Third Island, is one of the largest in the archipelago. Hidden from limelight by the vast Atlantic, Ilha Terceira is not your everyday destination… A sleepy island seemingly unaware of worldwide hustle and bustle, it is nonetheless surprisingly full of life. Two days of discovery, and I am ready to face whatever challenges my next destination will bring.

Although it is one of the largest islands in the chain, Ilha Terceira is small. Most of the 56,000 inhabitants live in the island’s two cities: Praia da Vitoria and Angra do Heroismo. Situated by the Lajes Air Force base, Praia da Vitoria is a perfect spot to stretch your legs after a long trans-Atlantic flight.

The streets wind up and down, accommodating hilly island geography

A long walk on the streets and a rainstorm later, I find a cozy restaurant with the best monk fish I have ever had. The restaurant’s walls are solemn, perhaps they still remember the Battle of Salga that occurred here in 1582…

Next morning I breathe in the salty air on the Lajes Air Field shores. This base is one of the prettiest out there…

A drive through the pastoral hills with an animated cabbie will take you to Angra do Heroismo

The name of the city (Cove of Heroism) is fitting – so many battles were fought here in times past…

Walking these quiet cobblestone streets, I feel that time has stopped…

Monte Brasil protects the city from the west…

… so that no matter what storms ravage the open waters, the bay is always shielded

The road leads me further inland…

The storm makes the street colors pop…

The next street over I find a peculiar vending machine… and a church.  The bright blue walls of Igreja da Misericordia can be seen from great distances, and its bell rings are as certain as time itself.

Not exactly Piazza San Marco, but close

Of course, no self-respecting bay can be without boats!

Away from the church and into the fortress - Fortaleza do Monte Brasil

The fortress is well protected by these lovely guardians

As it turns out, Portuguese are not without humor…

… and they also want to be happy

Two days under the Portuguese sun and this kid seems to be happy as well. Wouldn’t you say?