Dear friends,
I know its been a while but here I am with a new traveling experience. Those of you who know me well should have been expecting it since I always try to be away on my birthday. So last week on the 7th of June, I celebrated my 22nd birthday at the island of Madeira. I know that most of you are wondering where it is and why this destination above all options. Hold your horses and all questions shall be addressed!!!
A map to get you orientated--->
All I was listening to was
I chose Madeira for 2 reasons:
1. My beloved research supervisor is from Madeira and told me a lot about it and
2. I wanted to experience the subtropical climate and eat lots of tropical fruits.
So I arrived on a Thursday morning.
My first stop was at the stunning yet quiet village of Porto da Cruz, on the north part of the island. Soon enough I got picked up from the airport by Helder, my surf coach and owner of the surf camp I was staying at. It's this green house in the middle of a banana tree jungle.
Helder showed me around the village and then took me home. Immediately I fell in love with the view. Papaya and banana trees and the big blue ocean.
I then felt hungry and walked around the village looking for a new culinary experience and I soon realized it's all about fresh grilled fish.
This evening I went to the sea with Helder and my housemate Peter, a very tall and sweet Dutch guy. I just watched them surf and explored the area around.
Next day was my birthday! My 2 new friends had conspired to wake me up with a cake and candles and sing the happy birthday song. It made my day so special!!!
I told them both that I wanted this trip to start a new circle of life and so Peter got me this round cake to symbolize the new circle.
We all spent the day at the capital and in the evening we went to a local restaurant to celebrate my birthday. The boys were so enthusiastic about it and I was taken by surprise. Once we sat at the restaurant I realized it was the football match between Portugal and Russia they were excited about. Haha! I laughed and took part by making fun of Christiano Ronaldo's hairstyle (who is from Madeira by the way).
We had a few drinks of Puncha, Madeira's local drink, and headed back home laughing. I was intimidating the guys that I was going to sing and they begged me not to.
Next day was surfing day!!! I had heard so much about the waves that it'd be a shame if I didn't find out myself. So,
Helder and I headed to the beach at 8:00 am to catch the big morning waves.
Ha! This is embarrassing but couldn't resist taking a selfie in my wetsuit.
I caught the waves and managed to stand on the board a few times (like one or two)!!! Though, these moments felt like I ruled the world!
Later on I had a drink by the sea.
And went home to have lunch. Unfortunately the cat ate my food as I was dealing with a phone call.
And I then had to go to the village's mini market and buy more groceries. Some products left me speechless. Haha!
And this is my new friend, Sonia. I spent a few hours talking to her about my life. She just nod. I doubt she understood much of what I was saying but I must admit it was very therapeutic. Haha!
And in the evening I had a new housemate, Pascal from Switzerland. We had a drink and headed straight to the beach. He swam and he showed me his special acrobatics. The sky and sea were in love that day.
Later, we got back home and Helder brought me his cute labrador puppy, Bali.
And that's how I spent my last night in Porto da Cruz.
The day after I had to leave the village. But I wouldn't leave without a great breakfast full of passion. I made juice of passion fruits I bought from the local market.
And then full of passion, I headed to the capital of the island, Funchal. Keep an eye on the blog cause another post is coming.
For any questions regarding the guest house and surf classes, please do not hesitate to send me an email.
Much love,
Alkistis :-)
Alkistis :-)
