| Page Views: 5,951 Last Visit to Madeira Island: December, 1999 | madeira - the jewel of the atlantic by willy_wonka - last update: Aug 9, 2005 |
what can i say about madeira, that hasnt already been said in the history of time? in the old days of exploration, sailors often stopped here for supplies, and they all commented at how majestic and beautiful this island is. today the modern day cruise liner also makes a port of call in funchal harbor, and surely after days at sea, madeira must be a welcome sight to the sea traveller!
for me, madeira was extra special. how i ended up here was a journey in itself. for most portuguese living in australia, madeira is the mother country. many friends i know have family in madeira. this was the case with the pereira family. they decided to go on vacation back to the mother land, and they offerred to have me come along.
and so it was i went on my first ever overseas journey! it was also the first time i had been away from home for so long. after 38 hours of travel, i arrived at a place that i thought i would NEVER go to. yet here i was!
it was the beauty of madeira that gave me the travel bug and i haven't looked back since. the kindness of the people, the friendships i formed, the various landscapes of this volcanic island, the sights and sounds... they all contributed to me saying "i want to travel more often to other places."
madeira was magical, and it changed my life. it was the simple thing, like picking a banana of a wild tree, or kicking a ball with local children that made this holiday such a success. it was the kindness shown by virtual strangers that opened up my heart to the possibility of more travel. it was the way people opened their home to me like i was a member of the family, even if i couldn't speak their language.
madeira was all this and more, and i vow to return one day to see the changes, but hopefully, to see the people again!
to the pereira family and to all the extended relatives, my biggest obrigado to you all!
this page is dedicated to miss portugal herself, arasnosliw , who gave me the energy to scan old photos and create a page on my portuguese adventure! cheers love! |
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| Pros: | "great weather, friendly people, changing scenery, majestic views" | | Cons: | "so far away from home" | | In A Nutshell: | "madeira - the atlantic garden of eden!" |
willy_wonka's Madeira Island Travel Tips
 Comments for willy_wonka about Madeira Island | | | | |
Travelchili Sun Jul 12, 2009 19:41 UTC
Wonderful Madeira page! I absolutely loved this beautiful little island and like you, would like to return one day. The difference is that I don't need to fly quite as long as you ;) 38 hours of travelling would take me to Australia or even further :) | ukirsari Fri Sep 5, 2008 08:14 UTC
obrigado for your well-written madeira page, gal! 38 hours in total travel = my God :) | themajor Thu Jul 3, 2008 09:06 UTC
Your warning about licentious bumper car attendants has been noted. I shall also take considerable care when gallivanting through the House of Fun. I shall treasure the image of you wandering in the Nun's Valley. Are you quite sure they allowed you in?! | deecat Wed Jun 18, 2008 08:10 UTC
Fabulous page! Personable, informative, interesting.....with absolutely beautiful photographs to accompany the great narratives. |
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