Madeira 2.0
Arriving at Madeira feels surreal.
Every new travel destination carries its own version of surreal, and this time it is because I’m still processing what happened shortly before my departure.
As if the universe uses travel dates as deadlines for transformation, I finally resolved a long-standing conflict with my parents the day before I left.
We talked through our differences, found compromises, cried, and I initiated a group hug with mum and dad in the end - which is quite a thing as a Chinese family.
At the same time, I’m not surprised. This is all part of the magic of Madeira. During my stay the last time, I experienced it myself and heard countless stories from others: how certain patterns resolve faster here, opportunities open up, and that this place somehow emits a very special kind of energy.
I’d spent the past days setting intentions for my return, and the pre-cleanse seemed to be the universe’s response.
Flying past the other islands in the Madeira archipelago, the airplane finally landed smoothly after a short four-hour flight. My suitcase was the first to appear at the baggage claim, and shortly after, I found myself in my rental car, driving to my apartment in the mountains.
I drove through tunnel after tunnel, past banana trees, orange-roofed houses and warm sunshine. On the way, I stopped at a grocery store and bought food for the next days, conscious about choosing local products. Madeira bananas and local bread made their way into my basket, and I also couldn’t say no to fresh salmon for 11.99€/kg.
By the time I finished cooking and eating, it was already 5 pm.
I was tired. And it was the first day of my period.
But I knew that sunset was at 6.04 pm, and I had to welcome myself to this island properly.
The next days were supposed to be rainy and stormy - as I’d been warned by both a friend a the nice gentlemen who gave me the keys to the apartment on behalf of my landlord - so this would probably be my last chance this week for an outdoor workout.
Like a routine I’d done many times before, I quickly packed my bag with my sports equipment and drove down to a spot where I could hang the gymnastic rings.
It was surprinsingly warm, and I set myself up with a perfect view of the ocean. The waves broke loudly, swallowing the dark stone beach.
I imagined the sounds of nature cheering me on, and even with a tired body, set a new PR: 5 ring pull-ups. I took it easy for the rest of the session, focusing mainly on flexibility & mobility exercises, rather than strength.
Back at home, I answered messages from friends saying their welcomes.
Mom & Dad happily responded to my safe arrival and the pictures I’d sent.
I started crying again for a bit. Maybe it’s a tension release from the long day. Maybe it’s the ceremonial cacao I drank before dinner.
Or maybe it just feels good to know that I left a place with love and arrived at a place with love.
Later, I filled my tiny journal with proof that I’m loved. To lock these memories in and remember them whenever, in the future, I’m stuck in a loneliness & rejection mindset.
It has been a long day.
I’m looking forward to reuniting with my nomad (and non-nomad) friends again soon and to whatever good stories that want to be told in the next weeks.
