Old Country, New Beginning - Part 3

16 May 2017

We arrived in Madeira around lunchtime. After checking into our hotel we decided to explore the beautiful city of Funchal on foot. I will never tire of admiring this small piece of paradise.

Bathed in sunshine all year...

...eye candy of a place.

The west side of town is where most hotels are situated

The town centre

The old part of town dates back to the 15th century. You wouldn't think it as it is pristine and charming.

Shall we go for a swim at the newly-refurbished Lido?

Yes. Brilliant access to the sea makes this giant sea-water pool the local's favourite.

Porto Santo Island

We took the ferry across to Porto Santo and stayed two nights in this tiny sandy island. Some 2000 people live here, but the summer tourists bolster that figure many times over. Quality hotels, a good golf course, great food and peace of mind makes this island a firm favourite with all who visit.

Christopher Columbus lived here after discovering America (see his house below, now a museum) He married the Porto Santo governor's daughter and turned his back on the chaotic and war-ridden continent of Europe.  There are many theories attached to his perceived nationality, but it seems most likely he was Portuguese, annoyed at Henry The Navigator's refusal to sponsor his trip to reach what he believed would be the East of India, and angrily opted to work for Spain. The Spanish court were more obliging and gave him the four ships and crew he needed. Had Columbus been Italian as is the general held belief, it would've been unlikely he'd want to settle and eventually die in Porto Santo.

Seven kilometres of beach provides more than enough room for all

Christopher Columbus' house

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, and off to the Desertas Islands we go.

Landed after 3 hours sail.

The three "uninhabited" islands know as the Desertas are a nature reserve and home to the last colony of the endangered European Monk Seal. There are approximately 40 specimens left. The government prohibits all fishing in the area and controls landing activity. Teams of biologists live on the islands on six- month shifts, in the only building there, for the sole purpose of studying and protecting the seals, the Desertas tarantulas and a sea bird species that only nests there.  A handful of tourists per day are allowed to land for a couple of hours, under strict supervision from the Park Rangers.  

We had the pleasure of seeing a young pup swimming by the caves but were not quick enough to photograph it. I'll just borrow someone else's pic.     

Dad Pereira

Back to Madeira and I persuaded my dad to come to my gig at the fancy Hole In One Pub. The resident singer/musician Louis Salvador, a friend of mine, allowed me to split the gig and play an hour and a half. I loved being back at the Hole after a four year absence.

One hell of a pub with a garden to die for.

Louis helping me set up. Thank you mate

Visiting my nephew Dieter resulted in an impromptu session, of course.

Being back in Madeira is both emotionally gratifying and painful, as it brings back memories of my dear mum who passed away six years ago. The drive to Monte, where she lived, is no longer a joyful experience.  Mum would have loved to meet Miss P and see me happy and settled. She always wanted the best for me.  

We'll be back very soon, that's for sure. The eyes and heart demands it.

Ciao Madeira x

Birthday memories

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My birthday is imminent!  My wish-list is being printed and you will all receive a copy in due course! Almost a year since the last one... Madeleine and I were in the Portuguese island of Porto Santo, some 950 Kms south west of Portugal, to celebrate in peace, my milestone birthday. This one will be very different, in the grey autumnal setting of Buckinghamshire, miles from a beach and further still from the warm sun.

 Madeleine and I minutes after arriving..

It was a couple of days of romantic walks, frolicking on the beach and excellent food and beer. I would have topped up my tan if it weren't for that rug covering my manly chest.

Madeleine just after her swim...I can tell by the hair!

Nice bikini! We also hired a quad-bike for a bit of sightseeing. I was keen on going to the remote and inaccessible interior to ... well...be at one with nature?



my hell's-angels look...

I did my best to ensure I stayed well hydrated, of course, even though the temperature was only around 23 centigrade. It was an easy thing to do. The beer (Coral) was tasty and chilled to perfection. I did have to keep stopping every 15 minutes or so for physiological reasons...

 

hard to believe, but I was inconspicuously hydrating the bush...

We will return someday, to the unspoilt tranquility of this beautiful island. Friendly and crime-free, it's my idea of heaven.



gentle and tranquil - Porto Santo

By the way, Porto Santo's claim to fame is that Christopher Columbus lived there for some years after marrying the governors daughter. One of 5 islands in the Archipelago of Madeira, Porto Santo is often overlooked in favour of Madeira, the main island. Just as well, it remains unspoilt as a result. But being such a small island, some 42 square kilometres and dry, it still offers some stunning views...



...gorgeous Madeleine

Until next time...



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