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I can remember some images.
In one of them, the airplane is approaching the island flying close to the dark waters of the deep ocean, with all the wheels unfolded and the left-side passengers looking desperately for a trace of an airport somewhere. The right-side ones seemed less preoccupated, as is half of mankind to the problem of tabacco. We end up by admitting that the airport was there, suspended on the volcanic rock, as a generic symbol of irresponsible adventure, an information coming too late for us to prefer a boat travel. The plane lands however making full use of its breaks, just another miracle, in my opinion. We take the bus for Funchal and arrive in the middle of a poetic subtropical island, in front of the McDonalds restaurant. There we wait an indefinite time for a bus to carry us at the hotel (Estrelicia), neglecting to remind ourselves that this is a small island. Next day we try hard to make the most common touristic experiences, evolving at the limit of ridicule. We buy tickets for a trip with Santa Maria, the ship with which Coulomb discovered America, although we knew it won't work either. The boat was far, beyond the Fish Depot, at a pier covered by oil stains and used tires. It is a motor boat covered by wood and wearing sails just as the lords wear their wigs at the opening of the Parliament’s session, i.e. for nothing. It was already overcrowded with tourists, which probably would have to be sold as slaves to cover the municipality deficit. Just when we step on the board, three persons appear from nowhere in front of us. One is quickly placing on my shoulder a one-meter parrot, colored like the anniversary issue of National Geographic. The bird fixes itself on my clavicle as on a dry twig, listening irritated the voice of one of the persons, visibly a pirate, who was preparing his photo camera. We showed no resistance and paid ten dollars, to the general amusement of the other tourists who resisted better against this commercial aggression.
I regret nothing, when I look at this photo: the bird was beautiful (and so were we).
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