Travel Essay Contest -- Entry 19
I
Must Be Off! is having its first annual Travel Essay Contest. Each
entry will appear at first without byline or bio. These will be added at
the end of the contest. As you enjoy these travel essays from around
the world, please feel free to comment; but if you offer criticism,
remember to be positive. These writers are my guests.
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Pearl of the Atlantic
There are more than enough places to visit
and sights to see without leaving the confines of the city. Art galleries and
museums abound, ancient and new, paintings, sculptures, fishing, farming, handcrafting
– all are at your disposal.
RESULTS OF THE CONTEST ANNOUNCED ON JULY 20!
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Pearl of the Atlantic
by Chris Nedahl
Sitting at the Esplanada O Vermelhinho, the
Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas glides into her berth. Within half an hour the cruisers
are strolling along the promenade to the haunting sound of traditional Indian
music. Mal Kay-Andes Music, a band of six Ecuadorians, has played here since
forming in 1973. Partake of a meal, delicious ice-cream or just have a coffee
and ingest the atmosphere of this idyllic island, Madeira. The pearl of the Atlantic, or the floating
garden, is sub-tropical and its temperate climate is a haven, all year round,
for travellers.
Madeira offers lazy days basking in the sunshine - tours to all points on
the island - local bus rides or walks along the famous levadas. Those new to
walking can chose an easy, guided route, or one of moderate difficulty, along these
mini-canals which once carried rainwater from the north of the island to
irrigate the dryer south. Not for the feint-hearted are the longer, more
hazardous treks. All offer insight into the magnificent flora and fauna but the
seasoned walker is rewarded with hidden gems – and Madeira has many.
A leisurely stroll from one of the hotels
in the resort takes you to the centre of Funchal and the port. A modern,
cosmopolitan city, it displays its heritage with pride. Buy from one of the many
embroidery shops, a souvenir or a whole set of table linen. On the trip to
town, see ladies sitting on the walls, crocheting table mats and coasters.
Outside ‘Bordal’, one of the oldest outlets of hand-embroidered linen, you are
tempted inside by an elderly lady working with skill and speed. Have your
credit card at the ready because embroidery, made in the old way, can cost you
six thousand Euros for one tablecloth.
Once in the heart, visit the Mercado dos
Lavradores - Funchal’s indoor market. An array of colourful produce greets you
and stall holders tempt you to taste their exotic fruits or varied wines. Beware
of being given more in your bag than you asked for as tourists can get charged
more than locals.
Be certain to view the fish market. If you
have enjoyed the delicious, white estapada fish at your hotel’s restaurant, you
might be surprised, or shocked, at seeing it fresh from the sea.
The walk along the promenade toward the
fortress takes you to the old town. Much has been done to revitalise this area.
The buildings are old, but restaurants are modern and offer a wide selection of
food. The owners politely encourage you to dine, or just take coffee, and you
will undoubtedly leave with a collection of business cards and a ‘tomorrow
perhaps’.
A fascinating and quirky addition to this
part of Funchal is the artistry. Every old front door - whether or not the
building is inhabited - has been painted or collaged by local artists. Some
depict the modern while others reflect the history - the multitude of things
which make this island unique.

Madeira has a wonderful cultural heritage. Attend a concert at the English Church at Rue
do Quebra Costas, an orchestral event or a piano concerto.
This year, 2013, the Orchestra Mandolin
celebrated its hundredth anniversary and what tremendous performances it
continues to give the public.
In the Rue Antonio Susi Almeida have a
coffee at Apolo or stay longer and take lunch, watching the colourful world of Madeira going about its day.
Afterwards visit the Cathedral of Funchal, immediately to the left. It was
built in 1500 by the master stone mason, Gil Enes and the master carpenter,
Pero Annes. The style is ‘Manuelino’ or late Gothic and houses one of the best
Sacred Art collections in existence.
If you have never visited Madeira, consider being there
on New Year’s Eve.
It seems the whole of the island descends
on Funchal for the delights of the night. By eleven o’clock, the harbour front
is heaving with excited people. Madeirenses and tourists, adults and children,
pile onto the piers and fill the grassy verges, separating the town from the
sea. The night would not be the same without the vendors of cheap ‘champagne’.
Their trolleys are everywhere you look and you are kindly provided with plastic
cups to enjoy your purchase.
The park of Santa Catarina
overlooks the harbour and has its share of onlookers. Once the pyrotechnic feat
begins, it surrounds you. It is a magnificent display warranting mention - more
than once - in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Once the celebrations begin, however, it is
obvious not every inhabitant is good-naturedly jostling for a prime view of the
night sky. All over the mountainside, dotted communities are partying too, as a
patchwork of colour erupts. The cruise ships
that arrived early are berthed while others are just outside the harbour, on
the open sea. From their decks, the view is unhindered.
The clock strikes the New Year in, the
revellers cheer, horns sound and the heavens spark and shimmer, flicker and flash,
welcoming another year.
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Chris Nedahl is published in four anthologies and online. She is a
member of Writers
Abroad
and continues to hone her skills and become more computer savvy with the
help
of fellow writers. She enjoys writing short stories and, infrequently, poetry.
She is
working
at editing a long written novel.
RESULTS OF THE CONTEST ANNOUNCED ON JULY 20!
Great article, packed with information. Six thousand euros for an embroidered tablecloth! You would need to be careful not to stain it with your Madeira wine...
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - I love the door paintings.
Nice post. Very good job. Thanks for your nice share. Good job.
ReplyDelete