Why Madeira?

If Jeremy was to solely answer this question he would firmly reply “Why not.” Truly when I am asked all I think is it feels like home. It feels very foreign but some how like home.

That would be a very short story and well, I usually don’t do short stories. So here is a list of our top 15 reasons why Madeira.

1.) Lush Green BIG Mountains - seriously this photo says it all.

2.) Outdoor Kitchen - While our home doesn’t have an outdoor kitchen yet, it will. Ever since we went on the yoga retreat in Baja Jeremy has been set on having an outdoor kitchen. We even started to write up plans for a tiny house in a greenhouse to feel more like an outdoor kitchen. It has been a dream!

3.) Fresh Produce ALL YEAR - This was from our farmer’s market in December! The only thing that will be better is when we are growing it ourselves. I am so excited to get my hands dirty. I miss my hands being in soil!

4.) Amazing Hiking - The scenery is stunning! There are so many trails that will keep us challenged. The variety is incredible.

5.) Kind People - I truly believe this entire earth is filled with more good than bad. The people here seem genuinely kind. It is listed in the tour guide book to act like a local by giving up your bus seat or spot in line to someone expecting or with a disability or a senior. I love that this is how you should treat others. I am trying to relearn this important way to live.

6.) Personal Safety - I have yet to find somewhere on the island I don’t feel safe. I do feel that everyone should use commonsense but we feel very safe. Currently Portugal is listed as the 7th safest country in the world. Incase you are wondering about the USA… it is currently sitting at 131st on the list.

7.) Great Low Cost Healthcare - Thankful we do not have first hand knowledge of the healthcare system. (I am hoping we don’t need to know that for a while) We have done our research and it stacks up well. Also, the island of Madeira is building a new medical complex for both treatment and research. It is not bad that our monthly budgeted expenses in Madeira will be less than what we were quoted for our monthly health insurance in the USA.

8.) Huge Variety of Activities - We are excited to be enjoying year round gardening, hiking, swimming in the ocean, rock climbing, museums, camping, golfing, cultural festivals and more.

9.) Affordable Housing - Okay if you want million dollar homes they have that too. We just wanted a home that was comfortable for us and guests. Somewhere that had mature fruit trees, space for a garden and outside enjoyment. This is still found here and affordable for us. Did I mention it has a rooftop deck?!?! I have always thought those were so amazing!

10.) Beautiful Culture - We look forward to diving into this rich culture.

11.) Sunny but Not Too Hot - They call it the land of eternal spring.

12.) Can Own Property as a Foreigner - This is not just something you can do everywhere. We are not just renters.

13.) High Quality of Life / Lower Cost of Living - This statement is really determined by what you like to do on this earth. We like simple things.

14.) No Snakes or things that want to kill us - This is actually a deal. We liked Costa Rica but everything there wants to kill you or at least injure you (even the trees). Many of the places on this beautiful earth where you can grow your own food all year round is also filled with snakes and other poisonous creatures. While I am happy that other people are cool with this, it is just not my thing.

15th Reason for us to move to Madeira: Why not; it just feels like home.