Sunday in Funchal

I was wakened at 5:50 with the noisy neighbours banging around . The problem is that their toilet is next to my bed area. Then they left and I managed to have some sleep. I awoke around 8:20 and got showered etc and then went down to reception to speak to a member of staff about the scenario. He was so nice and moved me to floor six to probably the best room in the hotel with massive windows a huge veranda and same as last room facing the sea and harbour. We also had a good chat about the cost of living, the average wage and the influx of Nepalese working in Maderia. Cheap labour and living six in accommodation usually for two. Affects the locals , I remember same conversation with a local in Lisbon. Tourism is their main income in
Maderia, all year.

So I moved rooms, didn’t take long. Went for breakfast which was very good. Lots of fresh fruit and stuff I like.

Headed out for a walk weather fab again. I brought one dress thinking I would wear it a couple of times and I’ve worn it every day as it’s been so warm. It was quiet in the city after the Carnival. Amazingly, there was no signs of any debris in the streets. It was a clean as it ever was. You wouldn’t have thought a huge procession and thousands of spectators had been there.

Wandered for a while, then stopped at a nice Cafe for a coffee and a read of book.

More walking to Santa Catarina gardens where I took this pic of Brazilian White Angel Trumpet. What a lovely name for a plant. And below are purple hearts. I must say there are so many flowers out in the gardens and trees. I suppose it’s a sub tropical island so to be expected.

More walking and was thirsty so decided to go for a tea in the same place I had the coffee in the morning. After my order was taken the guy said to me ‘ were you here this morning’? Yes I said. Did you leave without paying?? A very emphatic no was my reply. I paid inside and there were two reasons I should be remembered. One was I left some coins in the tip box and two was that the lad behind the counter commented on my cap. And it’s on my online banking app . He was apologetic and realised that it was because I changed seat (I was initially in full sun so moved to shade). I the. Showed him my app but he didn’t look he said sorry! I was a bit annoyed.

Most of the decent restaurants were shut being a Sunday so I got something in one of the stalls. A vegetarian bolo which was fab! Sat at the harbour eating it .

Headed back to hotel for a cuppa the. Went back out for a wander again later. Was shattered after the issue last night so an early night..