Why do I need Portuguese? It is spoken in Portugal, Barazil and assorted islands between Europe an the American continent. I need Portuguese because I am planning a walking holiday trip to the island of Madeira, famous for Madeira wine.
Where's Madeira? West of Portugal, in the Atlantic, one of the islands where ships would stop on their way west from Portugal which is west of Spain, with a long coast as you can see from the map. Nowadays it is only an hour and a half by plane from Portugal and about three hours from other major European cities.
Madeira is called the Pearl of the Atlantic, Garden Island, and Island of Eternal Spring. The climate is mild all year.
In the days of sea travel, Madeira was wine which became strongly flavoured and strong due to heat and evaporation on the long sea voyage. Madeira wine reminds you of Madeira cake, a heavy sponge cake which does not contain Madeira wine nor come from Madeira but used to be served with Madeira wine. (Madeira's own local cake is made with honey.)
I hope to visit a Madeira winery in the daytime, and taste Madeira, as well as sampling Madeira cake at tea time, then Madeira wine with a meal in the evening.
Some people arrive in Madeira by boat but I expect to fly into the airport, recently renamed after the local hero, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, from Madeira. Photo from Wikipedia.
Another local tourist attraction is the museum featuring football and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Drink and Saints' Days
You might also recall the humorous song, 'have some Madeira, m'dear'. You could see the local sights, such as the cathedral. The name Cristiano suggests Christianity, yes, no need to worry about restrictions on drink or no food and drink during Ramadan. The local holidays will be connected with Christian saints, so regarding the timing of your trip, extra days open and closed, and hotel prices, check up on Christmas, Easter and festivals. June 10th is Portugal day.
Sea And Sand
Alternatively, or laze away your days sitting on the man made beach with imported golden sand. Like many islands, Madeira was created from a volcanic eruption and has hills and black sand.
Levada or aqueduct walking trail in the Atlantic island of Madeira. Photo from Wikipedia.
Walking In Madeira
Why am I going to Madeira? I am going with a walking group. Why walk in Madeira? It is known for its levadas, aqueducts, which carry water. What for? People and plants need to drink. People need to wash. Water also provides power., hydro-electric power.
Walking - Is It Cheap?
A walking holiday sounds like a cheap holiday, until you invest in waterproof boots, socks, a jacket and trousers, a water bottle and snack box, a suitable hat and sunglasses or even goggles, maybe an umbrella, certainly s stick, or two sticks, not the sort with a rubber tip for city streets but with a spike at the end for securing your way, your footing, your balance, in gravel or lumpy grass. You might borrow them from a friend or family member.
See next post on Portutuese words.
Useful Websites
https://www.officeholidays.com/countries/portugal/index.php
Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. See my other posts on Madeira, Madeira wine and learning Portuguese. Please share your favourite posts.
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