Monday (er, Wednesday) Stuff on the Way to Other Stuff: Funchal

     Well, Gentle Readers – you’ve probably already noticed that my posts are coming in bunches when they do arrive. Part of the problem lies in the ship’s internet – it’s crazy-expensive. And part is in the lack of coffee shops, so far. Or when we visit, it’s on a Sunday – and they’re closed. It’s frustrating, but on the other hand, we can’t spend much when everything is largely closed. The religious influence, I’d guess…if you’ll remember, it used to be that way when we were younger. Now, the only big business I can think of that closes on Sundays is Chick-Fil-A. (Good for them.)

     Funchal (pronounced “Foon-chall”) is actually a Portuguese word meaning ‘wooded;’ this is one of two inhabited islands and two uninhabited island groups that make up Madeira, a territory of Portugal. Funchal is the capital. We never saw a building that looked like some, but it certainly has several cathedrals, office buildings, a thriving business section. But the memorable part are the rows and rows and ROWS of pastel-colored houses that line the zigzagging streets. Every square inch, seemingly, has houses until you get toward the top of the mountains – then there are more.

     We took the cable car up to take a closer look at this former volcano-turned mountains. The people below are so used to the cable cars overhead, I would guess, that they didn’t pay a bit of attention. We saw washing being hung out; chickens pecking in yards; fruit trees (especially banana palms); people puttering in their gardens. The barking dogs noticed us – but the one kitty visible could have cared less.

     At the top were some lovely flower and exotic plant gardens…and a neatly stacked pile of wicker sleds with wooden runners. Any day (but Sunday, apparently), hapless tourists can take a breakneck speed ride down the narrow streets, with their guides hanging off the back. (Accidents only happen once in a while, we were assured.) We had planned to do this, but took the cable car back down instead, then limped down the ocean walkway (the malecon, in Mexican) to the waiting ship. Along the way, we stopped to buy a couple bottles of the after-dinner wine Madeira is famous for, plus a round of spicy bolo chabom. Gingerbread, I think.

     Funchal was the major stopping-off point for treasure ships making the long trip across the Atlantic – or just checking in. It was a favorite spot for pirates; the Spanish were also fond of making a raid or two. And the architecture shows their influence. But it is definitely an isolated place. We were surprised to find out later that Daughter #1’s partner’s family came from Funchal. Beautiful gardens, pastel houses stacked upon each other, lush greenery, what’s not to love about this gorgeous island.

     Now we have a week on the Atlantic, before our next stop: Curacao.

Only a few entries this time -- but I hope to do better next week, after we find a coffeeshop with free wifi.

*Setting up a buy-low, spend-less new year.  (From Thrifty Mom in Boise)

*Speaker Nancy Pelosi FINALLY signed the articles of impeachment...and the trial starts Thursday. It's about dingdang time -- let's get on with it.

Have a great week yourself.