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Why Fundão? Explained by Zeff Ryder, South African Writer and Poet
I'm Zeff Ryder, a writer, poet, romantic nihilist (and occasional musician). This is a self-introduction and my first reflection in this newspaper. I am delighted to write this section for the "Seminário." These people do magnificent work with the migrant community.
I moved here in January 2022 with my wife, Suzi, and our daughter, Raven. We may not look like it, but we are a very multicultural family. I have a South African passport, Suzi a British one, and Raven has an Irish passport. We get strange looks at airports…
We come from the mighty green of Ireland. At the end of last year, Ireland seemed to have followed us here (rain). Even herbs have multiplied on our land near Telhado, where we live. But it's much better than a prolonged drought, isn't it?
Sometimes, when we meet a Fundanense born in the town, they look at us as if we were a little crazy. "Did you pack everything to move to Fundão? Why?"
I answer: "Why not?!"
What is the meaning of being here? Have we found this meaning? Suzi and I are creative people; we play music and we write. Fundão is a town where culture is alive.
Not a week goes by, whether winter or summer, without cultural activities, literary events, cinema, theatre, festivals, and much more. And it is not only in the town but also in the villages. Why Fundão?
The warm welcome our daughter Raven received here is truly beautiful. From the first day, she was welcomed and received all the love in the Kindergarten at Escola Básica do Telhado. This made her personality and her Portuguese blossom immediately. Her future is bright.
We have participated in many cultural activities and have also organised our open mic, "Fala a tua Alma," in Rua da Cale, together with the Fundanense, Marta Amaro (owner of the amARTE art store on that street, together with her father Silva Amaro), and with the help of others born here and new locals (Emma, Filipa, João, Julianna, Khato). We also aspire to open a bookstore and cultural meeting point here eventually.
So, why Fundão? In this region of outstanding natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, we can hear and feel, like the writer Manuel da Silva Ramos, the cry of freedom. The mountains awaken within us the cry of freedom. The last two years in the world have brought Saudade in an amplified way, but we find community and hope, like the magic that brought us here. We can send our spells to join this magic, weaving ourselves into the story of this soul-enriching place.
And that's why! There is a future here for us.
Why Fundão?
This is why! We are here to grow with the community and the culture.
To everyone here, I say thank you. Thank you.
And love. Always love.
