Statue of Joao Goncalves Zarco

Welcome, travelers! Let me spin you a yarn about João Gonçalves Zarco, the Portuguese explorer who ruled the high seas centuries ago!

Picture this: It's the 1400s, and Zarco's all about adventure. He teams up with Infante D. Henrique and sets sail, discovering Porto Santo and then Madeira. They even name some spots like "Funchal" and "Câmara de Lobos," which becomes Zarco's family name.

In 1460, King Afonso V hooks Zarco up with the last name "Câmara," and life's peachy. He settles down, has seven kids, and they all rock the new surname. Talk about a family tradition!

Zarco's legacy lives on, especially in Madeira. So, next time you're soaking up the sun, remember the dude who put these islands on the map! Oh and you can look at it right from the Golden Gate Grand Cafe while drinking your coffee there.