Peaceful

More subtle sunshine today - in fact, quite a layer of cloud.

Not a problem. We ambled down into Funchal and spent some time in the delightful Museum of the City of Sugar. It was relatively recently re opened, after its newly renovated building fell victim to the tragic floods of February 2010. There is a tribute to the priceless artefacts lost in the disaster, and photos of the renovation of the items they have saved.

For years I referred (wrongly) to the Sugar Museum. No. The museum was built over the discovered foundations of one of the great Sugar Cane merchants from the days when Funchal was making a fortune selling to the dutch and Flemish markets. Hence, the City of Sugar.

It is no accident that the city has some of the very best Flemish masterpieces in the Museum of Sacred Art not far away. The ships did not return empty from delivering their valuable cargoes.

A quiet stroll up to the viewpoint and then back for a swim.

Tonight we’re sampling one of the best Indian restaurants (allegedly) on the island, before a Chamber Concert in the ballroom at Reid’s.