Do you ever find yourself wanting to go back to the same holiday destination over and over again? Or variety and new places to see each time you travel much more your thing?
Time and other resources generously permitting, most of us would probably want a good mix of both but the reality is that one resource would be shorter than the other hence preferences should be made.
We're thinking of going back to Madeira again. I know we've been there several times before and on our last trip we made a little resolve to leave it many years before we go back again. There is so much of the world to see and yet so little free time to do so. Our visiting pattern used to be every after eighteen months and it has been much longer than that now since we last went there. Long enough to feel that the resolve has been fulfilled. But the island is now calling and resistance is feeling decidedly weak.
When thoughts of going back were mentioned to a friend he said that we are like an 'old couple' now, going back to the same place over and over again. I don't mind being called an 'old couple' (but do mind the general ageist connotation of it in other situations) and it doesn't bother me personally. In fact I found it mildly amusing to be called as such and also something to be proud of in more ways than one. However it does highlight that yes, perhaps its not youthful and adventures to keep going back to the same place again.
But we love the place so why not!
Gaz likens Madeira to a comfy old sweater. There may be several new sweaters in the drawer but there's always that one particular trusty, comfy, and reliable piece that is so nice to keep taking out and putting on. A guilty pleasure. I agree with him.
But were there actually other 'new sweaters' to choose from? Yes, New Orleans and Tenerife, two places that we haven't been to and seemed comfortable enough to visit in the middle of February. They are also do-able in a week without crazy lengths of travel time to and from there. New Orleans was winning at one point especially with the Mardi Gras on the horizon (February 17 to be exact) but decided that if we did go it was best to avoid the week of that event. If we're only there for a short period, being the 'old couple' that we are prefer to be there in more sedate circumstances.
But that old sweater is just so hard to ignore!
Back to Madeira, what's not to like with the place when:
The entire island is an exotic garden!
Beautiful sceneries abound and if you like plants and gardens you'll be spoilt for choice.
So easy to get around by public transport, although hiring a car is very highly recommended too.
And if you do drive, there are no traffic to contend (but you do have steep hills to climb) and it's so easy to get around. You can drive and drive around and not run out of beautiful things to see.
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Amazingly well connected, they have free wi-fi in the public areas of even the smallest and remotest of their towns or villages with seemingly not a soul out on sight.
Mild, spring like weather all year round.
Relatively inexpensive food and accommodation without a fall on standards. Warm and friendly people.
I could go on and on but I suppose you'll get my gist now.
Saying that though, Gaz can imagine himself living there while I couldn't! Not until we're mid fifties at least. I can perhaps stay there for two weeks tops, any more than that I'll be banging my head on a brick wall. Far too sedate for my liking, it's great for a holiday but not so for long term living. For now anyway...
Having been there a few times before at least we don't have to think too hard about what to do and where to go the moment we get there. I suppose that's one of the appeals, familiarity is so much easier on the mind and very conducive to instant relaxation. Like an old sweater you know it's going to be comfy even before you put it on.
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| All photos taken in 2011 |
So will it be the old sweater or the new sweater for the old couple? Best to shake up the drawer and pull out the first thing that the hand grabs whilst eyes are closed....
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Adventure or Relaxation...they both have their charms. That looks like a place that could offer both.
ReplyDeleteThey do Ricki :) more known for the relaxation side but also for all the walks you can do there
DeleteIf you're seriously considering living there some day, then I'd say skip it and hit someplace new. It does look pretty amazing though. :)
ReplyDeleteNot sure about the living there still as it's rather isolated by the weather there is just so perfect for gardening all year round Alan, which is the main appeal :)
DeleteYou could totally become a Madeira spokesperson - it looks just as lovely as I've imagined it. Fabulous photos! My dad and his SO go there a lot too - it is one of their favorite places (and, for the record - they ARE an old couple). They always rave about the plants they see, but not sure how many they've actually brought back to Sweden - if any. Happy travels, wherever you go!
ReplyDeleteThat's fascinating to hear Anna! Madeira has got a reputation for being a destination for older people die to its sedate nature. It's definitely not a hip party place but long may that continue :)
DeleteI think you've just about convinced me I should go to Madeira! Too bad it's such a long plane ride. Our equivalent is Hawaii (Kauai or Maui). There are times for adventure and times for peaceful relaxation - you need energy to get the most out of the former but, if you're worn out by work, holidays or whatever what-not, it's hard not to give in to the latter.
ReplyDeleteThat's so true Kris, spot on :) funny enough I thought of Hawaii when I was writing this, that Madeira is the vague equivalent of it to here in relation to there
DeleteToronto can be your adventure and Madeira can be your relaxation, see...it's easy!
ReplyDeleteNicely worked out Loree :) Toronto is going to be a blast!
DeleteMadiera was our first holiday together, 23 years ago! We haven't returned because we're still exploring new places (and we qualify for being an Old Couple more than you two).
ReplyDeleteI can see the attraction for you to return to Madiera, the plants, gardens and markets are so lush and colourful. Bob Flowerdew once said it was where he'd love to have a garden - the only downside being he wouldn't be able to grow parsnips.
The joys of having to import parsnips :) that's so cool to hear Celia, and you're not the first one I know that had their first holiday there with their partner.
DeleteThat's one gorgeous comfortable old sweater! Loree seems to have come up with a perfect solution to your quandary. Madeira sounds and looks like a grand place to live but then that's coming from someone who is already in his mid fifties. I like to think of myself as middle aged but since I know so few 110 year old people... You will have a grand time wherever you go and we will have the pleasure of experiencing a vacation vicariously through your posts!
ReplyDeleteYour reply made me laugh Peter! It'll be great if you could join us in Toronto :)
DeleteSeeing you in Toronto would be so much fun but I'm still teaching at that time. Next year!
DeleteI think that you've persuaded yourself that Madeira is where you are heading and I would not be surprised if the plane ticket and hotel accommodation is now sorted :)
ReplyDeleteNot quite that far Anna, still undecided although the leanings are very clear :)
DeleteI am sold. Somewhere I've never been but it looks delightful. And I can bring plants back? I'll need an extra suitcase then :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to visit Jessica,you'll love it!! Pack light and bring an extra suitcase :)
DeleteLove Madeira, but love Lisbon even more. Have you been?
ReplyDeleteAnother good word for Lisbon! No we haven't been Tony and we ought to really. Be good to allocate a decent amount of time there to include Sintra too.
DeleteLooks like an amazing place to visit! So many different landscapes. And you're very lucky to be able to bring plants back home with you (that is so strange to me because quarantine is so strict in Western Australia that plants coming across from the eastern states of Australia are examined so closely and usually have high fees attached to the process and I'm sure have to be bare rooted)
ReplyDeleteIt is Amy, perhaps on your next jaunt to Europe you could include this island? Your situation is similar to the US but because both countries are so big I can understand the needs for internal control.
DeleteLooks great and I can see why you love it so. I don't think you qualify on the old couple front. The ones I've met go back to the same place and same hotel for at least 30 years in a row ;)
ReplyDeleteI can see why 'the old sweater' appeals - when life is so hectic, it's good to be able to put together a holiday you know you'll enjoy without having to think too much about it. However, new places are always good to explore too. With Toronto on the horizon, it sounds like you could have a touch of both old and new this year.
Wow, talk about love and devotion to the same place :) so looking forward to Toronto, hopefully we'll be able to book a good amount of time off from work so can stay in the area longer. Perhaps include nearby cities to it too!
DeleteHello Mark and Gaz,
ReplyDeleteWell, we absolutely love returning to familiar places. One really does get beneath the skin of a place and, when time is limited, one sees and experiences so much more when the terrain is familiar.
We have never been to Madeira but it definitely looks like a place we should visit. So much to see and do and the landscape looks to be stunningly beautiful.
There is something rather wonderful about being an 'old couple'.......we speak from experience!
Happy New Year!
That made us smile Jane and Lance, a couple full of life and sense of adventure :)
DeleteOh my gosh the photos are so enticing! It looks like a wonderful place. I think I'll put this on my bucket list for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou'll love this place Candice, and they're not low on succulents either!
DeleteWow, what a beautiful, beautiful place! I can see why you'd want to visit it again! It is hard to decide, a place you love or a place that's new. We had a place not to far away on the beach we liked to go every year for a weekend (before we moved), but for longer trips I usually vote going somewhere new. I want to see the world!
ReplyDeleteSeems you have worked out a nice balance between both Indie :)
DeleteThat is one old sweater I wish I had in my drawer! The photos are amazing. I will have to put this on my bucket list, if only I ever can get to that part of the world! Is English spoken much there?
ReplyDeleteYou'll love this island Debs :) their primary language is Portuguese but nearly everyone speaks English and you won't have any problems at all communicating
DeleteI totally agree with you about Madeira, as it is gorgeous and an absolute haven for plant lovers. I am kicking myself for missing the 'potted plant ' opportunities - we brought back seeds and bulbs etc but didn't realise we could bring back soil and all!!
ReplyDeleteDo put New Orleans on your to do list though, as I wager you will both fall instantly in love with it. We were there last Spring and loved every moment .
A vouch for New Orleans, that's so cool to hear Jane! Next time you go to Madeira yes you can plant shop as much as you can carry back :)
DeleteI know what you mean. But the older I get, the more I feel the desire to visit places I've never been. Of course I don't necessarily walk the talk, just having been back to Arizona for the umpteenth time
ReplyDeleteAs some of the comments here has been said there's a place and space for both Gerhard. And based on your photos not surprised at all that you keep going back, we would be too if we were in your place :)
DeleteOh, what a beautiful place!! I would love to visit some day. I think you never get to know a place even visiting several times...I always have the doubt about if I should return to a place (because you always miss things to see) or visit new ones...there is no enough time, we would need to live longer, hehehe.
ReplyDeleteTime, such a precious thing most of us lack Lisa. You seem to be making the most it though :)
DeleteI think in this day and age - or any, really- getting to be an old couple certainly deserves celebration, and you clearly haven't forsaken the new in favour of the known in general terms. Though i think you could take exception to the "old" bit! Besides, that particular favourite jumper is clearly worth revisiting. There is something wonderful about returning to somewhere known and spotting the small changes. Thank you for a (belated) giggle and photos their tourist board would be thrilled by!!
ReplyDelete