How many of you go on vacation and always find somewhere to train while on vacation, or do you completely shut down to recharge the batteries?

Depends on the trip but it's a bonus if I do. There's always something new to learn and friends to make in a new city.

Same for me. When I'm in the Azores I can get to train and teach with my friends. In 2019 we were on Greek Islands so I chilled. I did sneak out of my hotel in Naxos to check out a club right around the corner but it was closed. Lol Only you guys know now. LOL

I pretty much learned Jiu Jitsu my entire career just by training during holidays :)

Ooo, what are the Azores like? Interesting cultural stuff, like museums and galleries etc? Or is it basically just beaches and sun? I've been thinking about going, but wasn't sure if there was much to do. Would be cool to train there too, I guess, if I'm not feeling super lazy. And yeah, I'm ALWAYS feeling super lazy. :P

The Azores islands are volcanic islands. Never too hot or too cold. Although summers are real nice, it usually rains somewhere everyday. They are super green islands and are considered the Hawaiian islands of the Atlantic without the Hawaiian weather if that makes any sense. Lol Beaches are typically not sandy beaches although there are sand beaches on some of the islands. Most beaches are volcanic rock beaches and when you get in the ocean it is typically 3 meters or more deeper off the bat. Very lush scenery. Not too many museums although there are a few plus they have caves to explore and of course the volcanos. Whale and dolphin watching are popular there too. The local culture is amazing and the people are warm and friendly, usually. Lol The food is great too. I lived there for two year and have been back maybe 8 times. There is BJJ, Judo, Muay Thai, Karate and TKD there as well. My friends run a Gracie Lisboa affiliate there and they are all super friendly and accommodating. It is a bonus for me that my wife's family owns a home there so I don't have to worry about staying in hotels and whatnot. We usually go for two weeks to visit friends and family. You can see the Milky Way at night because the sky is so clear (when not pissing rain sideways)

I've wanted to visit Azores and Madeira and every so often look up for places to train. Thanks for sharing the info about the Gracie Lisboa affiliate. I've trained with João Santos in Lisbon so that's good to hear. They're a great team.

I really love the idea of visiting other gyms.

Though I guess you kinda had to, as I'm assuming the Danish scene was quite underdeveloped when you started? Or were they legit options you could have gone to for quality BJJ in your early years?

more interested in building our own style of vibe than learning fast.

Island Top Team in BC was top on my list before Covid hit, can't wait until the border opens back up and we can hit the road!

Biernacki's place? It's cool how he's become fairly well known. I still think of him as 'beanie hat guy,' from his YouTube (IIRC?) vids years ago. Best thing about him is that he often Likes my Instagram posts, which is definitely the quickest route to my heart. :P

& the local options are not that great (like Cuba),