'Have some Madeira my Dear' was the name of a corny old song that is now almost forgotten. As you may know Madeira is the name of an alcoholic drink that comes from wait for it... Madeira! I believe it is an acquired taste. Small snippets of it, maybe once a year. I suspect that most of the wine bought onboard today will remain intact in the cabins three months from now when the World Cruisers get off in Southampton. We ourselves have left Madeira in the cabin when leaving the ship. No Madeira for us today thanks. It tastes like a cross between a heavy port wine with a little Buckley's cough medicine in it. [The foregoing is the opinion of the writer.]
The other day I said I was sleeping better. Liar. This morning I was up at 4.30 and walked up top two decks and sent some emails and got a few as well. I think I am a bit anxious to hear how the roof is coming along on our house. Wally and the contractor keep me up to date, but remember, I was at the build site twice a day and knew exactly what was happening, it takes a bit getting used to, to see it from a long distance perspective.
Before first light this morning after my third coffee I turned on my Blackberry and soon came up 'Welcome to Portugal' from Telus, our Canadian phone company. Soon we were getting all the emails that have been sent to us since leaving Southampton. Even though I have already received them on my computer. Not a problem, at least I am in touch instantly with home etc., for the next 10 hours when we sail for Barbados and out of phone contact again.
Keeping in touch does not detract from our trip, to me it enhances it. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
When I stepped out on the balcony to see the lights of Funchal, [the port city] looming in front of us very early this morning I smelled fish. The next time outside I smelled flowers. Fellette said, "Yep, that's Madeira, fish and flowers!"
After a leisurely breakfast we wandered ashore and took the free shuttle bus to town. We have all been here several times but it is exciting to walk the streets and browse the shops and just observe the people.
The Market was our objective, in the morning when the fish is still available. Flowers, fruit, fish and vegetables are the attraction there. Not much in the way of durable goods. The vendors are happy to offer samples of all sorts of tropical fruits. There are lots of Brits and Europeans who live here so we did look like a good prospect for a purchase. Little did they know that we were just looky-loos from a ship.
We originally intended to do the streets and market and then take a cab up into the hills. The low clouds took away any thoughts of that as a prospect. So, we settled for a leisurely coffee and sit-down.
Soon enough back on the ship for a light lunch and a quiet day. The girls took in a movie, Ian and I caught some time on his new camera and he helped me fine tune my letter to British Airways regarding our High Drama Flight last week. It is now complete ready for submission, all four pages of it.
During our time in Port I spoke to all of our children and the contractor, who now seems to be part of the family. It was great, and photos, live from the site were flying to me over the phone. What an absolutely fascinating world we find ourselves in.
After a casual dinner Ian and Judy went to the pianist and Fellette and I took in the Irish Comedian. Back to our cabin around 10.15 and there on our bed was the first of eight notices we will get during this short cruise "Remember to Turn Your Clocks Back One Hour Tonight". Bang, there goes my chance of getting up at a decent hour tomorrow. Sure enough, 3.30 this morning I am wide awake.
I think building this darn house has changed my sleeping habits!
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