Year 2024
Let’s rewind about three and a half years to when we met Adam Williams, the OG of Madeira Friends. The scene: post-SUP first paddle session, coffee in hand in Câmara de Lobos. I look over and see him sitting alone at a table. Naturally, I did what I do best — recruit random strangers. I walked over and invited him to lunch. What I didn’t realize? I’d just recruited a legend.
Adam wasn’t just a MF member; he was the guy. Build a dog house? Sure. Do five minutes of burpees? Why not? Raise money for kids’ toys? Done. Workout every Saturday even after a heavy night? Absolutely. Party harder than anyone? You bet. He was always around, always game, and always someone you could count on for a laugh.
Then there’s Shannone Controu, another OG, who appeared around the same time. She first joined us at our “Love Boat” event (a story for another day) and later at a wine-tasting night. My first thought? “That’s some great hair.” No shame in noticing. But once we got to know her, it was her laugh, sarcasm, and dance moves (special dance moves) that made her a hit.
And she wasn’t just fun and a pretty face: Shannone led our first coding session at a local school, a big milestone that got plenty of attention.
Now, let’s address the big question: Did we matchmake Adam and Shannone? Absolutely… not. Our expertise is burpees, not matchmaking.
They actually met at one of our all you can eat sushi dinners with an after-party. It was one of those random but fun events. I was laughing so hard at one point that I knocked a glass of red wine onto Adam’s BRAND NEW PRISTINE white shirt. But that stain didnt stop Shannone…
Fast forward two years, and the second Madeira Friends baby is here. (The first? Beautiful girl living abroad) And guess what, the third Madeira Friends baby has been born and also DDG! (Drop dead gorgeous)
Now you’re probably thinking, where am I going with all this. 4 years ago I joked with Luis and Lily that we know we have made it when there is a Madeira Friends baby and a wedding. Well, we’ve got both now — plus a few unconfirmed relationships that we’re not asking about.
This community is also about LOVE. Love for what we do, love for the community and perhaps, just perhaps, love for each other.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ve got something in my eye.
Written by Marelin Goncalves, co-founder of Madeira Friends