Part 2 -----

Funchal, Madeira was interesting in that it is a volcanic island sprouting up in the middle of nowhere and it is a city with lots of people and roads and apartment buildings. It just seems strange. How did they get all this stuff here?

The excursion was fine but not to the level of the Spain excursions, although I admit I am biased. We stopped at a wine tasting and embroidery shop and then onto a market. This particular market was very close and the vendors kept cutting fruit and pushing it at us to eat. They would not take no for an answer. I am not really a picky eater related to food tastes but am really picky about who fixes my food and where it comes from so this about put me over the edge. I had to go outside although I wouldn’t have minded checking out the fish and fruit that were new to me. We jumped on the bus so we could visit and climb 157 unusual rock steps to the requisite church visit. Then we went off to the Sled Ride – Basket Sledge Ride. What a hoot! The sled is wicker and appears to be like the Vermont horse sleds but smaller and sitting to the ground. Two men start to pull the sled and the next thing you know you are sliding down the asphalt street and the men are riding on the back skids. They jump on and off depending if you are sliding the wrong way or if there is a corner. They tell us it lasts 15 minutes but it felt like only 5. I would do it again just for fun. Apparently this is how the winemaker sent wine down the mountain and one day he wanted to get down faster so they put a seat in for him and a new method of transportation was born. We got out of the port a few hours late as there was some inspection that held us up. We still had the sail away party as planned so just carried on like there was no inconvenience.

Last night we were at Signatures and it was a nice change although I am a Compass Rose fan. The Crème Brulee was the best. It has just a bit more texture at Signatures. Even if it is just presentation and just in my mind, I can’t get enough. I don’t eat many desserts but I never pass up Crème Brulee.

We are traveling a more southern route than planned due to some weather changes. This route will be about 40 nautical miles longer but the swells are less so we can go faster. If this is how it is going to be, the southern route is fine with us. We feel like babies in a little rocker and sleeping is wonderful.

Today we went to a tour of the stage and behind. We all got up on stage and they pulled the curtain and announced our show just so we could see and feel what the performers see and feel. We checked out the miniature dressing rooms. Tight squeeze for that many people. The performers answered questions about how they got the job, what other tasks they have, what their future plans are, etc. It was fun and we were glad they were so accommodating and took the time for us.

Now we are busy all afternoon doing nothing but yet the day is flying by. Then we are off for our first dinner at Prime 7.

Jan and Jim


Tim and Penny on the sled


See -- it is just the asphalt road


Funchal on a perfect day