After our second sea day, we arrived in Funchal, the capital
of the Madeira Islands. These islands belong to Portugal and are also called
the “Purple Islands” – probably a reference to the shadows cast by the towering
volcanic peaks.
Today’s tour started with a scary drive up the second
highest mountain on the island, called Pico de Ariero. This mountain stands
5900 feet above sea level. Two days before we arrived on the island, they had
snow up here. When it snows they don’t allow the buses and taxis to drive up
the mountain and it’s a darn good thing. Much of the drive up is along the
outer edge of the mountain with a view straight down. Most of the trip up,
there wasn’t even a guardrail. It was very cold up there – not a place to
linger.
On our way back down the mountain, we stopped in the village
of Santo do Serra where one of the island’s 2 golf courses is located. Here we
were served tea and coffee and traditional Madeira cake.
From there we headed to the Blandy Wine Lodge. Established
in 1811, Blandy’s is one of the oldest and most respected producers of Madeira
wine. After some wine tasting, it was back to the ship and we headed out into
the Atlantic for 6 sea days.
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