All sorts of weather

The weather has ranged from dark and rainy to gorgeous sunshine and warmth. Yes. Typical Madeira. I took the photo I’ve blipped as I walked down into the town, via Santa Catarina Park. It got better and better for this sunny Sunday. 


I had managed my swim this morning. A drop or two of rain, and one of the Funchal Muscovy ducks had made it to the hotel grounds, but no thunder and lightning.

The seawater pool is currently 19.8 degrees (marvellous with the warm air temperature) refreshing and lovely. 

I love the service in the Cathedral. The magnificent building is always packed. The priest is young and inspirational.  I’m neither Catholic nor a Portuguese speaker, but the Se is a very spiritual place for me. In this troubled and increasingly mad world, it cheers and helps me to see families meeting together and praying together. (Extra)

After the service, I caught the number 2 bus to my favourite part of the city, overlooking Praia Formosa. 

I  think I’ve warned potential visitors to Funchal that, if you actually want to catch the bus, you’re safer to go to its starting point. The buses are quite manic at present and once they are overcrowded, the bus drivers sail past subsequent stops without letting any more people on. 

A lovely Sunday lunch (which I’ve resisted the temptation to blip), and then back to the hotel.

Packing. I’m heading home tomorrow, winds permitting.