portugal

“It’s a cross between Hawaii and Ireland;” that’s how the Azores (Os Açores in Portuguese) are commonly described. Owned by Portugal, these nine volcanic islands sit in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean about 1,500 kilometers (1,000 miles) west of the European mainland. The Azores are filled with typical island features: gorgeous beaches, streaming waterfalls, and natural swimming pools. But next to all this, you can also find lush pastures filled with cows, vast fields of tea plants, and stunning hillsides covered in vibrant blue hydrangeas. The Azores are unlike any place you have been, and once there, you may never want to leave.

Imagine Portugal, 1949. Your eyes dart around the marketplace, scanning the merchandise as you weave in and out of the crowds. The smell of the dust being kicked up keeps you alert; you’re on the hunt. People are shouting, haggling, arguing, advertising. This world is very unlike the one you left behind; it’s full of myth and legend.

We love books because they take us around the world, into the past or future, and beyond the limits of reality. True book lovers don’t mind toting around their current read. Doing so allows them to prop open their current book and read through a few more pages whenever a moment presents itself—whether it be waiting in line at the store, relaxing during a lunch break at work, or stealing a couple minutes away from a boring class lecture. But it’s not just the books that capture your imagination; libraries can play a big part, too. Take a look at these three incredible libraries around the world, and maybe even spend a minute or two daydreaming about plopping down among the shelves and reading the day away. All of these libraries are open to the general public, so, if you get the chance, one day you can make that daydream a reality!

Ruth Baptista considers herself a citizen of the world. She was born in Angola, moved to Portugal when she was two, spent time in England, and now lives in the United States. While growing up, she attended a boarding school that took her to various parts of the world; living in Europe also allowed her to travel to many different countries. But living in and visiting various countries are not the only reasons she feels like a world citizen.

Our insiders share their tips and tricks to make your body language blend in with the locals’ and to avoid making a major faux-pas.