Thursday

I was very sad to be leaving this studio flat. It’s just simply perfect with the perfect host, Carlos. I was all packed up and round the corner for a coffee and croissant by 9:15. Carlos asked if I would like him to take my bag to the hotel I am going to (where his friend Dalia works in the office). That was so kind of him and I really appreciated it. I asked him to join my in the Cafe round the corner and he appeared and we had a great chat about various things. He left and I had a walk round the promenade area.

He sent a pic of him and Dalia, not long after this tell g me that my room was ready. I walked up there and when doing so was very glad he had taken the bag as it was all uphill and it was warm! The hotel room was big with a separate kitchen area but it was a bit tired with the furnishings. The opposite of Carlos’s place. I would have booked his place for the week but only three nights were free:(

I then walked back down to the bus station area and hopped in a bus up to Monte. I really liked the restaurant at the top and thought I’d go for a coffee and a snack.

When up there I heard two older ladies chatting and I popped my head round the corner to ask them a question and the older of the two asked me to join them. Sat with them for an hour blethering away. Both sisters, one from York and one from Filey. Both had been nurses and age 76 and 83 aNd both widows . They have travel adventures for sure and had been in Funchal for 3 weeks! We covered a lot of subjects then parted company . Got the bus back down - these bus drivers fairly negotiate the twisty and steep roads very well.

Had another walk around, enjoying the weather . This hotel is really a bit further out (and uphill) from the old town- had no idea of the height when I booked it. Never mind, good for the thighs. The photo is the view from the hotel. The gardens are truly beautiful, so well kept with a good few sitting out areas.

Just noticed that this time last year had my first full day in Seville.

(Thinking of Dad today, his birthday, he would have been 98. ). Miss you Dad.