Girassol Funchal

... it’s time to go to sleep. The Navigator of the Seas is quite big, about 3000 guests but you’d never know it, hardly ever any large crowds and the ship is almost sold to capacity. We have many Americans on board but also many Europeans too. Carla and I were fortunate to get a table for two for the late seating dining at 830p, our waiter’s name is Judas who is from Goa and his assistant is Manolo from the Philippines, these two know what they are ...

On Sunday we got up, had breakfast and we went off on a tour organized by P&O to the top of the second highest cliff in the world, and very spectacular it was. On the way we saw all sorts of plant life, including banana trees and the very colourfull South African trees, with very large red flowers. We passed through Camara de Lobos and on to Pico da Torre where a magnificent view over the cliffs down to the sea showed how beautiful Madeira is.

... the ship on the tender for a bite to eat in the Aquarius Grill. At about 18:00 we watched Independence maneuver very slowly away from the berth and out into the open sea. Once she had gone our ship was gently maneuvered into the berth being secured by 19:00

... rough on the shins.<br><br>Last land for another 7 days!<br><br><br>The last few days have been ******&#8230;.literally. There&#8217;s been an outbreak of Norovirus on the boat so the crew has had to be Germ Nazis, cleaning every surface immediately after it has been touched. We can&#8217;t serve ourselves at the buffet. We aren&#8217;t even allowed to fill our own water glasses! Luckily Jacqui and I didn't get sick!<br>

... and two generous slices of cake. There are also other goodies that can tempt the sweet tooth and they do take away as was evident by the number of locals frequenting the establishment, located opposite the &#8220;Reid Hotel&#8221; (GPS Location 32°38'27.52"N, 16°55'26.85"W) <br><br>By far the best dining experience was that of the &#8220;Quinta Palmeira&#8221;, located on &#8220;Avenida Do Infante&#8221; and down the stairs this ranks ...

... be stress free and relaxing, not reminiscent of a Benidorm special with attached waterfront drinking hole and jive club.<br><br>Having survived 7 nights of this hotel none of which have been particularly comfortable and or restful, had we known of the managements plans to serenade us till midnight three nights running, then to throw a gala event at the pool area overlooked by most rooms which resulted in the current racket outside, we would have selected alternate ...

... a sluice gate control system where the path meets a road. Here the walk splits right of to some other towns and a maze of roads or left for a short bit then off the road through some poles and on to the foresters hut (32°44'28.83"N 16°50'38.91"W) which as ablution facilities although the cleanliness was a bit questionable. However provided in this delightful spot are a number of picnic tables and stools just right for a nice spot of lunch ...

... walking guide for timings and keep in mind the buss times.<br><br>On the return journey take care when coming down the boarded section as the boards are all painted the same rust colour and it becomes difficult to distinguish the steps. <br><br>Start<br> Time 12:46:38 <br> Altitude 397 ft <br> Location N 32.74312° W 16.70147° <br><br>End<br> Time 14:56:42 <br> Altitude 426 ft <br> Location N 32.74300° W 16.70149°

... addition some patches are covered in moss so shoes with good grip are a must. Do not attempt this path unless suitably shod. <br><br>The village itself has little to offer apart from a view from the top. On arrival you will get accosted with offers of coffee and cake. The chestnuts are an acquired taste and proximity to the autumn harvest would improve their flavor. But I for one would not recommend them ...

... Part of Town<br>MADEIRA Island<br>PORTUGAL<br>PHONE 291225070 <br><br>Restaurante Juliu's<br><br>LINKS <br><br>MUSICIANS<br><br>Fado Singer Vera Lúcia<br><br>Fado Singer Ricardo Miguel Freitas<br><br>Portuguese ...