Madeira

Funchal is Madeira's capital and my favourite destination so far.

We started at the fantastic farmer's market, full of exotic fruit and vegetables and fabulous chillies in various stages of drying out. There was loads of friendly banter and local people tasting, bartering and stocking up for the week.

Next we headed up to the top of the town in a cablecar, brilliant vertiginous views (I love a cablecar) to the beautiful botanic gardens. Glass of Madeira wine to sustain us before we headed back down to wander the streets.
Funchal is a really pleasant suprise - there are galleries and street art everywhere, it seems like a understated creative place; no pretension, just a natural expression.

I am happy to report that B is fully recovered and the sea is currently like a mill pond. Off to see a bit of campery this evening (I wouldn't like to speculate that the performers are failed X Factor contestants, but you know.....).