This is a preview out of the ‘Descoberta’ chapter from ‘Finding Madeira’ by Devin Meireles. Coming to Amazon Kindle on October 23, 2023
… From the bottom, we approached a winding road with a lift, honking the horn as we moved up to alert anyone that we were coming. As we proceeded around the bend, the road then turned in the other direction as the slope continued upward. Concrete edges at both sides of the car were the exterior walls of the homes that line the street and felt like they were closing in as we steadily moved up the Ilhéu. I never saw anything like it.
The driver cackled at our disbelief as he remained focused on the road—steering with one arm and hitting the horn with the other, all while maintaining a steady foot on the gas. It was an impressive feat to witness that seemingly can only be mastered with practice. Scuffs of paint along the white concrete walls were indicative that not everyone could make the climb intact, but he was handling himself well. Sure enough, there was another driver coming downward and we had yet to make it halfway up, giving them the right of way, so we reversed back to restart and make another attempt to climb to the top. That was my introduction to this special haven.
When we finally arrived there, my stomach settled and acclimated to the elevation. The car was left at a remote parking lot and we headed a couple doors down from where we came. It was a short distance on foot towards his home away from home. He tells me that was his childhood home, born and raised there until he left for Canada in the mid-century. Now he comes back for the winter where he feels most at peace. The sentiment is as clear as the ocean water in the distance and just as infectious. I feel it too. I like it here…
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