Madeira, Portugal (I) - Funchal and Southwest Area (March 2024)

Fun

As we walked around we found a banana tree that reminded us of the banana tree we grew in the backyard of our home in Kigali, Rwanda. We harvested the bunch a few times. Also, we found an Asian market specializing in Asian food items including Korean. 

As

We drove to the southwest corner of the island, namely Paul do Mar. It was a tiny town, but the ocean view along with the mountain view alone was worth the visit.

We drove to visit Cabo Girao. The cliff is 589 meters high and there is a glassbottom observation deck. The panoramic view was simply breathtaking. Ah.....

Madeira has a Jesus Christ statue with open arms, similar to one in Rio de Janeiro, much bigger, and also one in Lisbon, also larger than this one. Portugal is a Roman Catholic nation and these types of statues are everywhere in Portugal and its colonies.

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Madeira produces sweet wine named after the island name. It was delicious, along with a homemade food Kristin prepared.

The municipal office was an architecture that alone was simply beautiful. The plaza deserved a special photo. 

Tge

One day, I explored the city alone while Kristin was taking a rest with her legs, and I found a charming park. It was beautiful just to be there. The ocean view was only a bonus. It was tranquil.

As we walked around the city, we found many interesting places. The entire island was a well-decorated garden. 

We walked around at dusk and in the evening to take photos of the night scene. 

One day, we took a cable car to the top of one of the mountains.  It was enjoyable to look over the housing built on the steep hillside along with the lush green. 

A tree fell off blocking a hiking trail

Also at the top, there was Carreiros do Monte. You could ride a sled operated by two men from the top for two kilometers down the hill. It was introduced on CNN as one of the things you must do in Madeira. Unfortunately, the place was closed because it was off-season.

A big cross at the cable car station

Apparently, Monte Palace is a popular place for people to visit, but we ended up skipping the visit this time. Perhaps another time.  

We explored numerous alleys where we found cute and cozy restaurants and cafes. Also, colorful doors attracted our eyes to enjoy.   

Commercial areas were clean and well-decorated with tiles and trees. 

The last restaurant we tried was not as impressive as many other restaurants we visited, but a statue caught our eyes. Anyway, people-watching alone was fun. 

 Madeira was a pleasant surprise and we both felt strongly we should return and we will. Chiao for now. - Jeffrey