After picking up Irina, I drove all the way through the coast to MADALENA DO MAR. We stopped and went for a walk on the promenade. The landscape there is incredibly beautiful. We could view both the mountains and the sea. It has been a long time since I was there the last time and I haven´t heard about this bridge that goes into the ocean.

We stepped on the bridge, Irina the front screaming and jumping everywhere in laughter and happiness, me and my sister behind just laughing at each other. She was giving me this look on how much she thought Irina was still a kid. Me… I was just thinking everybody should be like that everyday of their life and was feeling really sorry that I didn´t have the same energy she did at the time being.

Still I was able to make a run for her and give her a huge hug in the middle of the bridge. We were screaming in laughter. I guess the sea gives you high happy sensations…

It all started with phone call from a friend: “Let´s go out for a coffee? – She said.

I picked myself up from my bad mood along with my sister, and in half an hour we were in the car, descending the beautiful mountains that lead to Funchal, towards Irina´s place.

It was early winter, the snow was blowing and I had settle in for the long haul at home in Westbrook, Connecticut USA.  Certainly a vacation would be nice right about now…How about an adventure.  So my Brother and I planned a trip to Maderia..We search for things to do and soon a plan developed. My Brother, Mother my Wife and I would go to Carnaval in Maderia and while there lets see the Levados,  or Levadas?  Not much as a speller.

Levada close-up near area of Ajuda

What is it you ask?  Well centurys ago the people of Madeira created water ways to channel clean fresh rain water from the mountains to the peoples of the Island..What a feat.  I believe the effort still continues today..By the way these water ways also have pathways. Pathways to homes, water falls, and scenic areas not accessible to cars or bus.

Water from levada diverted to thirsty plants

When we arrived I bought a map.  Yes maps help find the Levadas. Hundreds exist and go may places..so when visiting we found one small trail right near a relatives home.  We walk and saw water feeding banna trees and people tending the trees. We talked with tourists who also wondered about the trails..Beautiful sites and wonderful times..We enjoyed this enormously…I recommend a visit..

Bruce