FUNCHAL
We are back once again to Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira. I put background info about here on my March 31st (day 11) posting in case you want to review it. You can look on right hand side of blog to find "Blog Archive". Then click on "March" to find those posts.
The ship's map on tv system is still not working, and in fact, now we have no satellite tv at all. A lot of things going wrong on board now.
Last Night:
The "block party" and production show were cancelled do to the rough seas. Early this morning it did smooth out but probably because we were protected from the swells by the island as we approached. Anyway, we had cocktails in the Mariner Lounge prior to dinner in the Compass Rose restaurant. After dinner we all retired for the evening. Yesterday afternoon I left a note with Reception for Jim & Barbara Edmunsen. They live about 6 houses down the block from us in Dalton Ranch (Durango). Jim is also a retired American Airlines captain. Have not seen them around on the ship yet.
Today:
Up at 7:45 as I had an 8:30 tour, "Monte Village & Botanical Gardens". Room service for Rebecca as she was not leaving the ship again today. I went down to the Coffee Connection for a donut and cup of coffee. Jane met me there and off we went on tour. I almost decided not to go on tour today as it was overcast and some rain in the area. But I went!! Glad I did too!
Hopped on the bus #6 for short trip to the cable car station. Up we went in cable car for 7 minute ride up the hill to the village of Monte. Here we saw a small church then rode a toboggan part way down the hill (1 1/4 mile ride). You will have to view photos of this adventure. They have been using these toboggans for over a hundred years and even before it became a tourist attraction. Back on the bus for ride to the botanical gardens. As you will see in the photos, the gardens were very beautiful. Even I enjoyed walking through them. Last stop was at a small embroidery shop to taste some Madeira wine. Taste was VERY small indeed. Got back to the ship at 1:30 pm so headed up to pool deck for a sandwich.
It is 3:30 now and I am working on the blog. Should finish in about 15 minutes. We sail at 4:30 and will be at sea the next five days. The sun is out now and it is upper 60's so quite pleasant this afternoon. Just prior to sailing Captain Serena will tell us how the weather will be tonight. Hopefully much better than yesterday.
Drinks in Mariner Lounge after the block party (doing it tonight instead of last evening) for drinks. The three of us have 7:00 pm reservations to dine in Chartreuse, the French specialty restaurant. Rebecca and I do not care for French food or their wines but decided to give it a try. Not sure if we will be going to the show after dinner. The headliner entertainer is Antonio Salci, a pianist. I am not big on listening to piano players. Move clocks back again tonight so gain another hour of sleep.
Here is the link to my photos there are 77 of them today. Second link is a bonus for you. They are photos that I took last year when on our world cruise.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/cqnKyNM42ftNUfDh1
https://goo.gl/photos/gCGge6tvp5eSnQkv8
https://goo.gl/photos/gCGge6tvp5eSnQkv8
