31st of July

Raining. The first time since we’ve been here. At first tiny little drops, then bigger ones, falling faster and faster, yet still gentle enough to lull me back to sleep. Our last full day. Pretty excited. The boys agreed to go on a levada walk, short one, easy one, but nevertheless it still counts. Picked the Paradise Valley walk, taxi driver dropped us off at Camacha. Magic began. It was the most amazing ( yes, that word again) walk I’ve ever had in my entire life. A wide path lined with African lilies and crocosmias growing wild. They were still flowering here, while down in Funchal the wilted flowers were already removed, giving way to the next flower to take the central stage. The air was humid, the clouds were low, raining gently, but this just added to the beauty of it, didn’t take away a bit. Kept taking photos, I was amazed at the variety of plants, trees and flowers I’ve spotted. Of course there were the usual eucalyptus trees with ferns in the bottom, saw oak trees, apple trees, berries, lovely pink foxgloves, ivy creeping up the trunks of the trees, hydrangeas, and I even found Lonicera. Actually I smelt it first, that familiar honey scent. In our old house the fence was totally covered by it. Took me 3 years, but I achieved it. Loved sitting on the front steps of our house after dark, my son safely tucked in bed, just inhaling the scent of the tiny yellow-white flowers. Was real upset when after selling it the new owner removed it all. Received a call from our friend next door, telling me the guy is destroying my beloved garden. I know it wasn’t my business, after all I sold it to him, but went there to check on it. He was real nice about it, walked me around, showed me what he did and promised to look after it. I still dream about my trees, especially the Magnolia Kobuses, whose white scented flowers in April were magical, people stopped by to admire them. Must learn to let go. Full moon tonight, my chance again to try.

After walking a little bit less then an hour we came to an end, apparently not the real one, later we found out. Taxi driver was nowhere to be found, so we decided to wait in a snack bar. Sometimes you find the best places where you don’t expect it. One of things that bothers me here is the quality of the cappuccino they serve here. Except a few places, generally I found it weak, topped with whipped cream, not the way we like it. Here we got coffee with milk, and tataaaa, it was good. Surprisingly good. Now this is what they mean in the guide books. Tried a chestnut cake with it, bliss. Definitely must come back. What made me really happy was that ex loved it, wished he found out about it earlier. I tried so hard to convince them, took me a month but succeeded. He wowed to do it every morning from now on whenever he is in Madeira. Another stroll through the streets, checked out the Pestana Village, had Italian in their restaurant called Luigi. Was surreal, we were the only customers. Not surprised, we walked past it so many times, never noticed it before. Location, location, location… This is really important in Madeira too if you want to be successful. Central location, or a view, coupled with good food, might spell success? If I could pick a place to get my hands on, for sure it would be the Ritz cafe. Great location, history behind it, the perfect climate of Madeira, where you could sit outside 365 days a year.

Later on as the minty fresh taste of my last Madeiran mojito lingers in my mouth, inhale the heavy, earthy scent of soil mingling with frangipani and with the salty air of the ocean on our way home. We are leaving. Can’t believe that the month is over. Suitcases packed, toys, books left in storage, waiting for our return. Standing at the Juliet balcony of my room with the moon shining – Full moon, blue moon is today, must let go, must let go – notice a party going on down below. Wedding, birthday, engagement? Or just a simple summer party, celebrating life, love, family, friendships, having a good time? Doesn’t matter. A sudden gust of wind carries over the familiar tunes of a song from long ago: ” One day I fly away, leave all this to yesterday…”