Funchal, Madeira Islands - November 03, 2012

Look just north of Tenerife on the map of the Canary Islands and you’ll find the year-round resort of Madeira. Settlement first began on Portugal’s archipelago in the 15th century during the Age of Exploration. Funchal is the capital of the Madeira islands which are an autonomous region of Portugal. The city is located in the southern shore of the Madeira on the archipelago’s largest island on Funchal Bay. The industries include sugar and flour milling, wine production, fruit canning and the manufacturing of tobacco products and soap. Fish, fruit and the famous Madeira wines as well as embroideries and laces are exported as well. Ships from the times of early exploration through to today visit the Madeira islands as a replenishment port as they make their way to the Americas. Modern day visits at this port are mainly made to break up this long crossing to North America. Our visit here today was under a shroud of cloud that brought with it intermittent showers causing us a bit of change of plans today but overall we still had an excellent day. We took the cable car up to the 1800 foot above sea level to the town of Monte and this is where our plans changed, we could not see 20 feet in front of us due to being in the clouds (literally). I am sure this is very nice place to visit but as it very windy and wet we quickly looked for our way down, which for was not by the cable car but by the traditional basket sledges which back to the early 19th century. Back in the day they were used as a means of transport by the local residents who wanted to travel quickly from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal. The toboggans are driven by two runners, dressed in white and wearing the typical hats known as straw boaters. The trip down is about 2 kilometers long and speeds can reach up to 48 klms per hour and was just thrilling - great fun. Back to Funchal we went to local city market for photo ops, and then to the local Saturday street market. Back on board by 4pm for the wine and cheese sail away party. We had a very nice day here in Funchal. Now back at sea looking forward to our 7 day crossing. We will still be providing daily updates featuring different areas of the ship.