In the Summer of 1992, my husband and I had the pleasure of visiting the island of Madeira. As I stepped from the plane onto the land of the birthplace of my parents and generations of my Portuguese ancestors, I was over taken by a strong feeling of "belonging," that feeling will remain with me the rest of my days.
As we walked the streets of downtown Funchal; visited the archives; rode the toboggan down the steep hills of the Monte and shopped in the open air marketplace, I found myself searching for two familiar faces in the "sea" of smiling faces that surrounded us. Faces that I held so dear to my heart, the faces of my parents, if only I could have shared this priceless experience with them while they were still alive.
It is to these two loving parents, that I dedicate "My Journey of Discovery."
Joao Evangelista da Silva Se' and Maria Madelina da Silva Se'
Patricia Julia Silva Corbera
aka ~ Papagaia ~
My name is Papagaia
I will be your tour guide for the duration of this journey.
My main objective in creating this HomePage
is to share my research findings with those embarking
Visitors from all over the world have "dubbed" Madeira the "Island of Eternal Springtime," the "Pearl of the Atlantic" and yes, some even refer to this island of natural beauty and charm as "Lovers' Isle."
The islands were colonized in 1420 by Portuguese squires sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator.
The inhabited islands of Madeira and Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens, located 400 miles west of Morocco, make up the Madeira Autonomous Region of Portugal.
This volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is mountainous with a subtropical climate, famous for its wine, embroidery, wickerwork, as well as being a popular resort.
Madeira offers a lively history enhanced by romantic legends about its discovery, controversy regarding its period of colonization and its "British connection."
We trust in the fact that you will agree with the worldwide visitors to Madeira and come away with your own "epithet," one that can be added to those noted above..
Prof. J. Donald (Don) Silva writes stories about the Madeira Islands where his family has lived since the 15th century. He was educated at the University of New Hampshire and taught English there for many years.
Prof. Silva is a writer, poet, mountain climber, swimmer and gardener. He is a stone cutter and stone mason.
Prof. Silva's newest publication titled,"Black Kestrel" feudal landlord who dominates him, his family, and the land. He rebels against the landlord only to find himself facing induction into the militia for six years and the relentless authority of the church.
Black Kestrel portrays the conditions that plagued young Madeiran Portuguese in the late 19th century during the reign of King Dom Carlos.
José's family resents his individualism and refuses to help him escape the persecutions of the landlord and the church. With the help of his friends-- Rosa the neighborhood girl who falls in love with him, Pistola the village shopkeeper and Talbot the Englishman who sails the sloop with its magnificent white sails, he makes his way toward freedom.
The Kestrels are independent birds living with skill and courage and this young man lives his life against great odds to pursue his dream.
Now Available at: http://www.booklocker.com/books/2596.html
Or www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and your local bookstore through Ingram. ISBN: 1601450222
