Friday, April 20, 2012–Day 105- Funchal, Madeira

We docked at 8:00 in the Port of Funchal. The island was formed by a volcano, you can see the crater in the distance. The ship supplied a shuttle to downtown, so we hopped on the bus to Funchal, the capitol of Madeira. We caught the 2 mile cable car to Monte.

 

Monte is only 4 miles from Funchal, but nearly 2,000 feet high, in the highest part of a national park, it seems more like heaven. You must climb the 68 steps at the Church of Encarnacao to enjoy this charming chapel.

And then, the most exciting adventure of the day; we took a basket sleigh ride (1,000 feet) down hill, on a steep, windy, traffic-filled road through busy intersections!  The sleigh had two waxed wooden blades and two sleigh drivers that rode on the back, guiding the sleigh around cars, curves, pedestrians and through the intersections.

Robert DeNiro, pushing Jerry’s side, and Lou Castello got a little nervous with the car and the cab coming at us.  Not to mention, we were wishing we would have worn diapers!

YAHOO! We made it to the finish line!

We then had to walk the remaining two miles straight downhill to town. Funchal is known for it’s flowers.  They have a festival every year two weeks after Easter. On our walk down, we were amazed by the flora and vegetation.

As our walk continued down into town, we came upon a church, Igreja Do Colegio.  It didn’t look like much of a church, but we’ve learned not to judge a book by it’s cover, so we ventured in.  We found out, as so often on this trip, that the churches of the world are magnificent, even in their most simplistic look from the outside.  To our amazement, once we entered the main doors, we found another jewel.  Painted ceilings, gilded gold, and a main tower with hundred of steps to the roof, which we climbed with anticipation.

St. Francis of Assisi embracing the Crucified in a symbolic embrace.

One of the things that we have noticed in our travels all over the world is the parks. No matter how big or small the town is, they seem to be the central  area for activities for families and people to come together, and Funchal is no different.  We went to the Flower Festival in the park. Dad would have LOVED to see all of these beautiful flowers and we were very fortunate to be here at this time of year with their festival.

Next, was Happy Hour – a Diet Coke an éclair and a loaf of bread that weighs about 5 pounds!

Then back at the ship feeling bitter-sweet with this being our final port.  We met up with Kerri and Pingy from the Spa; Kerri is our hair stylist and Pingy does our massages! And the chef that makes the best cheeseburgers, Reamus!

Next stop…Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  We’ll try to keep you updated as we travel across the Atlantic…internet and weather depending!  Miss and love you all to pieces.