WEEKLY CHAT (non-osprey), 8 October 2017

Welcome to a new week from a sunny spring afternoon in Adelaide.

  • Whilst I have my coffee break, here are some more pics from our hols:

    We took a last look at the sea, so very blue,  then went for a quick sandwich at nearby cafe.

    Our order was muddled, and we were left sitting at a table worrying about the time passing:  eventually, our lunch arrived and was delicious but we had to bolt it down and then run, to be last on our coach which was waiting for us. Embarrassing!

    We were taken to another viewpoint, where a lot was to be seen including this pretty church on a high point overlooking the sea.

    Below, we could see our own ship and the other large one behind us on the dock.  The capital city of Funchal is grouped around the bay,The interesting round building just below us, is a cafe with the loos!

    Same view, zoomed in.

    Inland a bit, showing the coastline.

  • Below the platform for the viewpoint, were attractive gardens which included these enormous Pampas Grass, you can see the size by comparing with the people standing above them!

    Another church, not too far away: Some famous footballer was christened here (Ronaldo?)

    The houses are prettily clustered around on the hills, mostly with the same lovely red roofs.

    Just before we got back on the bus (not the last this time!),  I noticed this model outside a shop, of the famous toboggans which you can ride down the steep roads into Funchal.  I was glad I had taken this photo, later, as we never got to see the real ones.

  • Thank you, LINDY for the pics. I love Madeira and on the wall above my desk there is a picture of the harbour and hillsides. I've been in a toboggan and found it quite scary especially as my OH was shouting 'Mush! Mush!' as we flew down the hill from Monte....

  • OH back home. A friend of mine took me to Raigmore to pick him up. We had to wait a while till his blood pressure returned from very low to something like normal. It turns out his problems have been caused by a hiatus hernia. Hopefully medication will sort that out in time.  He has to return to hosp for the same procedure before Xmas. Friend came home for a soup and cake lunch afterwards.

    LINDY Your pics are so good. I think we will all have Madeira on our holiday list for the future.

  • Morning all:

    Lindybird: I was wondering about beaches; lack of them may be a deal breaker for niece... Are you closing up the caravan for winter?  

    dibnlib: Glad OH is home and with plan to sort problem

  • We have arrived here alright, after a longer journey than usual (usual traffic queues, plus stopped to buy some potatoes). Both very tired, so glad I brought a ready meal to pop in the oven.

    Annette: We decided to come for a short break this time, as it's such mild weather for October. We'll be coming again later, to close her down. I'm glad you are over your rotten cold.  Yes, only one small beach, I think we were told, in the whole of Madeira - maybe Heather could confirm that. One reason why we have been faithful to the Canaries for so long, as my OH likes to lay on the sand. If your niece likes beaches and an island with more green than Fuerte, then perhaps they should look at Tenerife. Some very nice resorts there.

  • You are right, LINDY. Madeira is practically beachless but there is a lido in the hotel area of Funchal. Of course, hotels have pools etc. I have to say that my OH didn't like sand!! He hated the way it got between his toes and other places :-)

    DIBNLIB- glad that your OH has found out what the problem is. He will be fine, as you know, with medication and maybe head of bed and/or pillows raised.

    Well, off to Shropshire tomorrow. Back on Monday.

    PS - My friend has just been to Madeira and stayed at Machico which has a sandy beach (imported sand!)
  • I'm so tired, I forgot to say that I hope Dibnlibs OH can get some meds now that they know what's wrong.

    Also, have a nice trip to Shropshire, Heather.

  • Heather: Have a nice long weekend.

  • Kid-sitting was OK, it’s just that I find 3½ hours a long time! Luckily we played outside first, decorating the patio paving with chalk, before the strong winds & heavy rain arrived. Inside I referee-ed, mopped up spilt water, spilt glue (different places but on the tiles), fed them lunch which they devoured & asked for more. MissL stupidly put her last few mouthfuls down to fetch her water and returned to see a rather smug dog. MissL napped, on the floor in bedroom doorway. Fine by me! I returned find MissJ wearing only knickers playing with Miss6. When I protested, “She’s a /I’m a doggie” was the chorus. I didn't discuss doggie coats, just over-ruled. Finally Dau returned with her new summer clothes collection, she'd also had a leisurely lunch, alone. My drive home was awful, very heavy rain + headache.  All well now.