Funchal, Madeira. Portugal. 10th October
AMAZING.
Today I was wondering around – taxi or HOHO bus- which ever was better.
As I was leaving, I was in the lift with a lady who had missed her tour and was afraid to go out alone. “Sure you can join me”. Off we went. After talking to the bus people I spoke to a taxi. Then others stopped to listen. I convinced them to join us. Really nice taxi, great driver – Josef – and a 2 hour tour for 15 Euro each. Sensational!
Madeira is very hilly. VERY hilly. Over 200 tunnels. Over 200 bridges. 250,000 people live on the island. 150,000 in Funchal (Fuuuun chai). There is only one hospital for the whole island – and the shipping and the outer islands. They must be a healthy lot.
It is a wealthy town with no poor areas. Although there were some very rich areas.
80% of the economy is tourism. Most people are employed by it. The rest work in the agricultural and fishing industries.
Of course we started by going up one of those big hills for a view.
Market gardens. And more market gardens. Hills and market gardens. Steep hills and market gardens. Very steep hills and market gardens.
No land in the town was wasted. All built on or gardens. And not easy gardens. All done by hand as you cannot get machinery in.
Everything was carried up and down. No cars could even get to some of the houses. Watering was done via channels and buckets.
They grew – bananas (lots), sugar cane, sweet potato (the main staple), egg plant, zucchini,cabbages, tomatoes, passionfruit……
Some people had large plots, others had a few acres. In Newtown, that we went to later, people with out land were allocated 4m square plots.
A taxi tour was brilliant as we were able to get up all the little roads around the gardens.
It was then up to a cliff lookout. Sensational view. I saw, and then walked on the second highest glass walkway in the world.
At one time I trod on a leaf – it crunched. Did not like that. But the view was amazing. And the area was heavily covered in big Eucalyptus. They smelt soooo good.
Then down to the fishing village. Saw the usual ugly fishing village cats.
Through New Town with the 5 star hotels, condos, and rows upon rows of British timeshare units.
We then dropped the others off at the ship before taking me to Old Town. And there I saw Ed and Hazel (that I travelled with in Gran Canary) so dragged them into my taxi and off we went.
Then to Old Town with it lovely building and sensational markets. Set in a beautiful old building and full of great clouds and smells.
Fruit, spices, flowers, fish. And some of the fruit was delightful. When asked to taste some passionfruit I curled up my nose. After being pushed I did. About 8 different kinds. Tomato, peach, lemon, orange. Fantastic. So good. So I selected four and went to pay. 17 Euro $25AU for four prices of passionfruit. I declined and left them there. Pity as they were amazing.
I then went and had a glass of Madeira and some Madeira cake. Both great. The I tasted a lovely Rhum (local rum), honey, lemon local drink. Must be very good for you! Amazing. But I sure felt it as I got up to walk away.
Brilliant day. I will happily go there again. There is so much here that I didn’t get to do. Will have to come back!
We saw a few whales as we left. And have seen many dolphins.
And Hallelujah. Sea day tomorrow!!!!!
10th October – Sea Day.
A lovely relaxed sea day. Well not that relaxed. So much to do.
Progressive trivia.
Dance rehearsal for the Flash Mob performance.
I went into the gaming arcade and watched Ed play a ball game – Skeet Ball.
Went to Johnny Rockets for lunch. So much fun! It’s a 50’s cafe. Music plays. Staff are in Soda Bar costumes and all is fun. When you walking in the door someone yells “Everybody say hellllllooooo” and the rest of the staff answer “Hellllooooo”.50’s music blares out. When ‘the Love Shack’ comes on the staff all run outside and do a dance. And when ‘Johnny Be Good’ comes on they rush to the front and dance. Food is all burgers and shakes, with their famous onion fries and a plate of ‘ketchup’ in a smily face.
We had a ball.
Then I wandered around the ship a bit and saw things. These Brits love the heat. They love lying in it and baking. Me on the other hand – sat on the balcony of the Diamond Club under a bit roof. Lovely. I did manage a 20 minute nap today. These trips are just so busy.
More dolphins and two more whales.
Then club time. I hang out in the Diamond Club in the day time – with its lovely windows and balcony. And in the evenings I go to the Concierge Lounge. Diamond club is mental with the crowd and they have to queue for drinks.
Next page A Coruña – click here to go there.