Madeira - First Port

Clearance Formalities with the local Officials at on arrival Madeira. In the picture to my right is Mr Hugo Ferreira and to my left Mr Dimas Almada - our Blandy Agents! Hugo and Dimas are so helpful and make sure everything runs smoothly. Dimas said he would be following us on the blog 'as always' - so a special 'Hello' to all our friends in Madeira.




Good Day All,


We are now on day 2 of our crossing to Barbados and the sea is being very kind to us. Last Thursday we were in Madeira, an all time favourite for many and although overcast with the odd shower it was good to feel the heat and to suddenly realise that we really now going to follow the sunshine on this trip! I hopped on the shuttle bus and had a wonder around the main town area. The Council workers were busy dismantling the Christmas decorations - a mammoth task for the locals as the Christmas lights as such a big display in Madeira. I reckon they must spend at least three months working on them. There is something 'lifeless' about seeing decoration after the season is over. This did not detract from window shopping and enjoying the fresh air.

I hope you enjoy these photographs. They are building a new Cruise Terminal at the Pier which should be open later this year - it appears to be all falling into place. We had 8 Shore Excursions operating along with a shuttle bus service into the town.

Arcadia at Funchal.

Lots of interesting sculptures to look at while promenading!

I love the black and white pavements - all laid by hand.

Looking across the Marina to the indulgent Arcadia.

I love to have a stroll around and just take in the atmosphere.

Lots of interesting Portuguese architecture to look at. They like the 'style' in Madeira in all things! This building is a bank.

Wide open spaces..................................

The Golden Gate Cafe - my favourite - established around 1850 - ideal for people watching, enjoying a coffee or sipping a glass of Madeira my dear!

The angels are waiting to be stored away until next Christmas season........

Local ladies man the flower stalls - lots of exotic flowers here........

All the designer brands are in Funchal, but there are also a lot of traditional shops with local goods. This is one of the old fashioned department stores with the red carpet staircase and delightful helpful staff. Everything was on 'sale'...........!

Taxi for Arcadia?

Local pottery for sale.

Fine china, glass, silver and linens for sale................

This is the new covered walkway being build linking the Terminal building....all this paving is being laid by hand.

A view across the bay from Arcadia.

The Casino Park Hotel, I have stayed here on occasions when joining my ship in Madeira.

Just further up the road from here is the world famous Reid's Hotel which is a must for afternoon tea in the Terrace Dining Room.

Taken from the Bridge - ARCADIA is about to sail.

It was misty but not an air - not even to fly the Commodore's Burgee.

This was taken from Arcadia's Bridge as we sailed out of Funchal - next stop BARBADOS!

Bye for now,

James.

Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

St Francis of Assisi 1182 - 1226.