We arrived in Funchal yesterday about noon. The trip over was fine. I didnºt sleep on the plane, so I was tired yesterday, but we managed to do lots of walking and enjoyed pizza for dinner at an outdoor cafe.

Today we hope to hit the outdoor flower market. I forgot my make up bag, so we hope to find somewhere I can pick some up.

Tomorrow is CROSS and we can´t wait!

Sue - so glad you are finally on your way! Enjoy your rest day in Funchal .. from all the CUI posts, I think you'll be partying like it's 1984 once you're on CROSS.

Cheers, Anne

Sue, I am glad you have arrived! As for the forgotten makeup bag, that shivers me timbers!!!

No worried - make up problem is now cured! We hired a private driver and he was wonderful. He took us to a lovely shopping mall for an hour where we had some wonderful soup for lunch and I bought my make up!

We did the toboggan ride down the hill and it was so much fun.

Went to a beautiful old cathedral that brought tears to my eyes it was so lovely.

The market was a neat experience; lots of beautiful fresh flowers (I bought 10 bird of paradise for 5 euros - at home they would cost much more and they are my favorite flower), beautiful fresh veggies and fruits and fish. Great tasting unique fruits! YUMMY

We are back at our hotel (Eden Mar) for a bit of email catch up and then outside to sit and people watch. The weather here is just fantastic and the island is so beautiful.

Our driver will pick us up at 12:45 to take us to the Voyager!

Sue, great to hear from you, and it sounds like you're having a fantastic time. Glad to hear you found makeup so easily - I gulped when I read your first post!

The rest of the gang is eagerly awaiting your arrival on Voyager - I love hearing from you all!!!

Sue, so happy you're off to a wonderful start! It won't be long until you're hooking up with the other CROSSers. We have several Bird of Paradise plants in our backyard, in full bloom! I wish I could send you a bouquet to Georgia.

So happy to read that you are in Funchal joining the CROSSers, Sue!! Love that you did the toboggan ride! Well done getting your make-up replaced. Here's to a wonderful crossing with a great bunch. Bon Voyage!!

Sue, I really wish I had done that tobaggan ride! The CROSS'ers are steaming toward you by now. I read on the website that they're bringing a British band aboard so that you can dance your way across the pond. Can't wait to hear more reports from onboard!