There are two types of travellers as I see it: ones who buy travel guides in bulk, spend hours on-line researching for the things to see, activities to do and make the must-see list a good few months before they board the plane, and there are others like me, who always come unprepared and simply rely on the intuition and word of mouth from the locals to find out how to occupy the precious days of holiday.
Surely planning gives it advantages. But it also in a sense spoils the surprise. It's like when you already know what to expect for Christmas. No thrills. No goosebumps. No WOW factor.
Madeira, as usually, was something I had no clue about. Not a single clue. That's why when I stepped on the streets of the old town, I had that - OMG, that's so beautiful! feeling that I came back there three times. The best of three which I will remember forever was the evening visit with my two year old, whilst my hubby was working. We walked around the lit streets of the old town, taking photos, laughing, talking and eating ice-cream. I am sure he is too to small to remember but that evening will stay in my memory forever, like the perfect 'date'!
Artistic intervention of over 70 painters who were called to paint doors together with the messages of some of the island's poets surprises and intrigues. Combined with most exquisite designs, the old and dilapidated doors became filled with colours, poetry, and all shapes and clearly cheered the historical area of Santa Maria and its restaurant quarter.
If you, unlike me, would like to plan your visit, you will find all information here. But let me just say that it's one of the best encounters with art projects, I've ever experienced in my life.
vasha Tasha
