Madeira

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  Madeira, Madeira Islands, Portugal
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

So the journey begins. Our first trip has brought us to the island of Madeira, our two sons have joined us for our first week. They have kindly afforded us a window of time in their busy social schedules! We will not see them for a while so it has been great to spend this quality time with them.

Having set the alarm for 3.30am! it was pleasing to experience an on-time departure and arrival. Our approach to the islands airport was interesting, it's not often one can see the runway supported by stilts and hanging out over the sea! We should be thankful prior to 2000 this was one of the worlds most dangerous places to land. Often referred to as the "Aircraft Carrier" due to its incredibly short runway, thankfully it has now been extended, hence the stilts!

Our base for the week has been a lovely 2 story villa set high on the mountain side above the pretty village of Arco da Calheta, situated in the southwest of the island

Local Produce!

. This area would have taken hours to reach in the past, however the island's infrastructure has been transformed by the construction of a unique road tunnel system which now links most areas. From the villa we have 180 degree views of the Sapphire waters of the Atlantic Ocean, along with panoramic views of the village spreading out below and up the sides of the valley, the terracotta roof tiles atop white washed walls, contrasting vividly with the lush green vegetation which is so typical of Madeira.

Our requested car was unavailable when we booked in at the car hire counter, instead they gave us a massive Isuzu jeep come pick up truck! shiny and new but huge, the boys and me were up for the challenge! Mrs F was not so keen! She's far too sensible! How are you going to park it! far too much detail, just jump in! or should I say climb up! It was great fun, we overcome the parking problem by all three of my passengers seeing me in to the parking spots! we didn't hit too many of the obstacles! and after a few days I found if I drove it like a bus and gave a larger turning circle as I pull into the lots it ended up pretty near perfect! Given the steep terrain and the maniac local drivers we did actually feel much safer in the tank than a small family saloon.

The flight is an easy three and a half hour flight from London. The fares are dropping considerably thanks to easy jet now having secured routes to Funchal the capital. Our flights were a bargain £52 each, and there are some great villas and hotels on the island which you can book very easily over the Internet. The weather was perfect for our visit, sunny most days with highs in the low 20 C's. The locals tell us it's a great island to visit anytime of the year, beware of the sea mist in June though

Local Wild Life!

. My only tip if visiting in the summer months is to ensure you have air con'. My reason for mentioning this is although it was cool in the evening for us, if you had to have your windows open the dogs barking would drive you mad at night! 

Madeira is an island of wild mountains, precipitous valleys and sheer cliffs - including the second highest sea cliffs in the world. (If like me you are wondering where the worlds highest sea cliffs are, let me put you out of you misery! they are in Norway). The most dramatic scenery exists on Madeira, we have been really impressed by the diverse array of of colourful semi-tropical vegetation. Although small, the island  boasts the greatest concentration of virgin lauraceous forests in the world, and an astonishing 66% of the island enjoys protected national park status. Despite its compact size there are parts of the island where you feel as through you're in the middle of a magical wilderness. 

We have really enjoyed our week here, the views have been wonderful and the island remains unspoilt, don't leave it too long before you visit, with cheaper flights and better transport systems who knows how long it will remain this way?

Kindest Regards

Andy & Julie
   

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Madeira

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