I will visit and blog about hotels, restaurants, markets, caves and more while I am there, and have a keen interest in meeting locals and the equivalent of Canada’s snowbirds – Europeans who flee the cooler northern Europe winters for the milder Madeira climate.

And, being a foodie and devoted to kitchen experimentation and cooking with local ingredients, I am thrilled to know that the local market is just 5 minutes walking away from where I will stay and that the only day the market is closed is Sunday – because the fishermen go to church!   I expect to find lots of local, fresh ingredients with which to experiment!

In addition to becoming totally familiar with Madeira and all it has to offer, and mastering basics of the Portuguese language, I intend to visit Morocco, Germany, Spain and naturally, Portugal (again.)  I love the Portuguese people, their cities and their food and really look forward to hearing, seeing and eating more of Portugal.  Our driving trip last year was wonderful and I learned lots as we drove the country from Oporto in the North to the Algarve in the south.  However, a severe bout of H1N1 during that trip meant lots of time resting in Portuguese hotel rooms and, in two cases, Pousadas: the baroque palace of Freixnet in Oporto and Obidos castle. It could have been worse!  Now, though, I have a perfect excuse to return!!

I will be posting regularly and look forward to sharing what I learn.  As well, if you are considering a tour or holiday in Madeira, Portugal, Spain or Morocco drop me a line or follow along on my trip.

I will savour this lifestyle travel journey and may even partake in a glass or two of madeira wine!  Saude.