Zarco and Tristan Vaz Teixeira discovered Madeira in the XV century. I 'discovered it' many centuries later.
This fascinating island green won me over forever. The days are sunny. The freshness of the sea. Exotic fruits. The majestic mountains. And lifelong friendships. There is always a reason to return.
"Gentlemen passengers within moments we land on Funchal. Please fasten your seatbelts and straighten the seats. Thank you.
These words awaken me from the world of Hypnos (Greek god of sleep). Still bewildered, I peek through the thin window of the airplane. My gaze 'sinks' in blue surroundings. The sea - above, below, everywhere. An infinite sheet of water to unfold in the distance. With a mixture of fear and expectation, I contemplate the almost non-existent airport runway. I've never seen anything like it. Did we land on the sea? I look around. Panic is general. Some passengers close their eyes with emotion, others quietly sing the words of calm. The TAP plane finally embraces the soil of Madeira. After landing, the feeling of relief is visible on the faces of my fellow travelers. Here are the palms of the custom. And the smiles shared.
They are more than 20 degrees. The island is devoid of clouds and wind. The sun is generous in this joyous day of December. The mild climate encourages the desire to know new places. Determined, I go to the Botanical Gardens. Situated about three miles from the center of Funchal, opened in 1960 and contains endless surprises. The numerous plants, for example. Sublime color palette, they form a lush picture that still dwells in my memory. As I go around the different areas of the site to find indigenous and endemic plants. The Himalayas. South American tropical fruit trees. As the papaya. Coffee. Sugar cane. Profuse invigorated by the scent, I just go to the park Blonde. Australian parakeets, parrots, dwarves, cockatoos - find here all kinds of exotic birds.
After walking so much, it feels good gain energy. While we contemplate the incomparable blue of the Atlantic (as does the color of the ocean is always more expressive on an island?), Sip a passion fruit juice. No exaggeration to note that it is the best drink in my life.
The magic of the holiday season
The day awoke laughing. Without delay, I go to Porto Moniz on the north coast. From a car window, dazzled by the landscape that unwraps in space before my eyes. Truly amazing.
Arrival in Porto Moniz, I refresh myself on the diaphanous water pools. 'Trapped' by lava rocks, exude charm and grace. An unquestionable example of how some of the vagaries of nature adorn the globe. Despite being in December, the temperature of the sea is inviting. Relaxed, let the sun disguises the pallor of my skin.
The morning strides. Just as my appetite. Encouraged by the fragrance of sea water, I give myself unreservedly to a sublime black scabbard fish and bananas.
Comforted with the stomach, proceed to the other side of the island. I am in the 'Monte', Funchal. Curious but frightened, waiting impatiently for my turn. I'll run two miles in ten minutes in a wicker basket on wooden skids. The target is the 'Deliverance'. Pulled by the feet of two men (the 'paths'), can reach 80 kilometers. Three, two, one ... is now! As I walk down the 'Road Train', dozens of people the feeling my soul. Fascination. Seizure. Adrenaline. At times, I think I'll have an arrhythmia. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) The 'paths' decide to make use of the boot (as brakes work). Still dazed, I realize now the popularity of this mode of transport. It is no coincidence that has existed since 1850 and is one of the main attractions of Madeira.
December 31. Preparations for the holiday season begin at dawn. Smell the party, the sun - the joy is spread through the air. It is time to laugh, dance, and singing. The day flies on the wings of time and let the night be queen.
Dressed to perfection, delivery toward one of the many restaurants that celebrate the New Year. After enjoying a heavenly meal, let the dance take care of my body. But the best is reserved for last: The fireworks. True 'hallucination' of meaning, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Effects fascinating colors and brush the sky and sea. For several minutes, the island is united by their brightness. By wonder. By magnetism. By happiness.
The festival ends at sunrise. Still intoxicated by the magic he feels in the air, I turn to the airport. Sitting on the plane to Porto, Pedras Rubras, behold Madeira for the last time. Already missing it. This small island can be an eternally great surprise. There is always a reason to return. Take a walk. Review the charm of orchids. Visit the Nun's Valley. Up to Pico Ruivo. Taste the so famous wine. Above all, relive great friendships. Those those are resistant to weather. In the distance. And the sea water.
