Fun in Funchal, 2

Today we drove up to the third highest peak in Madeira, got out of the bus and walked the last 100 metres. The thing was, we were in thick cloud, so we saw nothing. But at least I hadn't spent 4 or 5 hours hiking up to the peak!

Then down to Ribeiro Frio for a coffee stop and on to the village of Santana, famous for its small, thatched triangular houses. These were used for centuries as dwellings and stables and are very popular with tourists. It was hard to get a photo with no people in it.

We had a lovely lunch at a restaurant that had this picturesque stairway.

We had 30 minutes free so I walked up a steep road above the town and immediately saw many abandoned dwellings similar to the tourist attraction.

Similar to the small thatched cottages in Ireland, the indigenous architecture is abandoned when financial means allow.

After Santana we headed for the east coast, visiting the peninsula of San Fernando.

Now this was a view I'd rather have hiked to earn. I spent more time on the bus today than would be ideal.

But I enjoyed getting to know Geraldine and Bridget and Lola and Deirdre and Clare... Also, being on holiday means using my arms less and that is a good thing as they remain achy.

One more view of the coast and then into the village of Machico for a look round.

Machico has a gold sandy beach made of sand imported from Morocco because Madeiran sand is black. Our guide said the sand is washed away every year and repurchased from Morocco. Maybe some type of indirect reparation, given Moroccan slaves once were brought to Madeira to harvest sugar cane.

The sandy beach in the distance. In the foreground is blooming aloe, which is used in Christmas flower arrangements.

Another swim in the pool and another buffet dinner and early night.

17 Feb