Half way between Europe and America, in the Atlantic, two portuguese islands, Pico and Faial, define a narrow where the Ocean is forced to obey.



Since the fifteenth century navigation in the channel has been active. Those who cross the Atlantic, to or from the New World, converted these protected waters in a resting haven, a pause in between two long journeys in the open sea.



For decades, in the past, the islands lived from whale catching. Now they live from whale watching.

The weather is allways changing and people in the islands have to endure heavy rain, mist and fog.

They also got used to earthquakes and the allways present volcanic activity.



That's why it is so touching to observe the stubborn cultural traditions of the AZORES people.



Fernando Penim Redondo

June 2012