Opening a closed door in the Azores

A travel piece based on my trip to the Azores, the most remote islands of Europe. Written by Slawka G. Scarso. First published in The Traveler - February 2004

INCIPIT
No need for hair pins nor jimmies. There are different ways to open the locked door of a historical building when you're visiting the most remote islands of Europe. All that is necessary is a confident peep inside any window, some gesticulation meaning that you'd like to look around (a circular movement of the arm usually does the trick) and most importantly, a nice smile. The Azoreans are so proud of their sights they will open you every door, even if the church or palace you'd like to see is closed for repairs or the visiting hour is over.
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