Wednesday

Decided to book a trip in a Jeep Safari yesterday. It wasn’t till 2pm so had a trip to the cafe round the corner for coffee and croissant and a wander round the old town. I bought a steak bolo (the wonderful bread they have here) are some at the apartment on the veranda and did a washing. This apartment is just the best, one of the best I’ve stayed in and bonus with Carlos being the kindest host.

I wandered down to my pick up point which was ten minutes away at the bus depot next to the cable car. They were there prompt and I was directed to the front seat in the 4x4. There was two Germans in the seat behind me. We then went on to pick up three others , a French couple and then Diana , from near the new forest. She was staying in a beautiful old hotel set in magnificent gardens . She sat behind me and the French in the side seats (was glad wasn’t sitting on these hard seats.

First stop was a viewpoint overlooking Funchal. The driver pointed out The area where Ronaldo grew up and the Foundation building he has set up. Also a big swimming pool (indoor).

Then we went off road for a while. He pointed out stuff of interest and then stopped and picked some herbs for us to smell.

We climbed higher and higher and then came to the main bit. The Nuns Valley which was just spectacular. We were given a tasting of three drinks and a hard sell but I just didn’t bother with them and neither did the German guy.

We had some time to wander and the. Back in the jeep to the third highest point on the island which this photo was taken. We were above the clouds with some crags poking g through at one side and a grand view at the other. Impressive but chilly!

Had a bit of a chat with the German guy his wife was surging ahead ‘she likes to be first ‘ he told me.

Diana was interesting. She told me that her husband disappeared 8 years ago when they lived in Cyprus. Oh my I said was there a search for him. No she said, he left with another woman but I wish he had done it earlier . She had lived many years with him in Quebec but was glad to be back in England as she found d Canada a bit boring. Fine if you are young and like the outdoor life. She is happy being back home.

We passed a lot of lovely scenery arrived back in Funchal about 6 o’clock.

Back to apartment, had the second part of my lunch, out for a walk and then early to bed shattered!