∙ We managed to squeeze in 2 X 3.5-hour excursions at our last port of call before the 7.5-day voyage home
∙ In the morning, we walked along the beachfront, through some “artsy” doorways and structures nearby, and then boarded a cable car/gondola (the Funchal Passenger Ropeway) for a scenic trip up to the town of Monte.
∙ In Monte, we saw gardens and a pretty local church.
∙ The ride down was even more fun, sitting in a 2-person basket sleigh directed downhill to Livramento by two “toboggan drivers”. We were slipping and sliding as these men used their boots to break and their arms to steer; the fast-moving sleigh teetered to the side as we entered the various curves! Super fun!
∙ After this bit of excitement, we continued to Pico dos Barcelos for a panoramic view of the city, bay, harbor and surrounding hills.
∙ Back in Funchal, we got to see the “flower carpets” and town center and to taste some Madeira wine (not my favorite). Our idiot guide and bus driver left us, even though we were right on time to leave, and even though other passengers saw us and told them to stop. Aaargh! We had to hoof it back to the ship for our afternoon tour and to retrieve our belongings, which were siting on the bus.
∙ In the afternoon, we drove to Cabo Girao - the highest sea cliff in Europe and the 2nd highest in the world at 1,902 feet! I’ve been up some steep mountains before, but this was a trip – sitting in a fast-moving motor coach as it sped its way up some seriously steep and narrow cliff-side roads to the peak! When I looked over the cliff, I realized immediately that Bill would have to take the photos! Along the way, we saw some amazing vineyards, banana plants and other agriculture, grown on the steep hillsides. There were even more tunnels here than in Sicily. Our daring shore excursions leader, Michelle, did her signature handstand atop Cabo Girao!
∙ Next, we stopped at Camara de Lobos, a fishing village that was painted by Winston Churchill during his stay in Madeira. Although he remained for only 10 days, it made quite an impression on the locals, who named a restaurant and erected a plaque after the man.
∙ We ended our world cruise with a visit to Reid's Palace (Hotel). Instead of drinking the tea (nice as it may be), I decided to buy a bottle of champagne to celebrate our very worthy vacation.
∙ Back on the ship, we had one of the more lively (and well attended) “sail away” parties yet. Even a few of the older folks were shakin’ their booties, and four of the ship’s staff jumped into the pool fully dressed! Farewell to Madeira – and the world! Next stop: Ft. Lauderdale - United States!
∙ THOUGHTS/IMPRESSIONS
∙ We ended our tour with a bang! It’s a bit surreal that all we have left to do is to pack … and to attend 4 wine tastings, 2 formals, a couple more spa appointments … and then return home. Could it be . . . that I’m actually going to miss this a little? Don’t worry – I have a few posts to go … after all, I still have more dresses to show off – and, of course, the reunion with all that is “home”!
∙ Oh, and I’m still trying to find out why the Captain didn’t blow the big horn when we left! Darn it – I wanted to hear that one more time!!! Do you think pouting will get it done?!
Sondra, you don't know me, but I've followed your blog from the very beginning of the trip -- and this morning found myself sad that its all but over. My husband and I were on the Amsterdam for the Asia-Australia Grand Voyage last fall and I felt like I was on this one too with your great pictures and port details. I'm so sorry that you were so disappointed in the food and activities on the ship, but I guess they are not for everyone. Your overland trips sounded like such adventures though and I'm sure you've made many wonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I worked very hard, thru the ups and downs, to bring this trip to life for many who couldn't go with us. I found myself feeling a bit sad today to pack up 8 of our bags and boxes. In fact, I ran to the spa to squeeze in as many more appointments as I could!
ReplyDeleteThank you many times over, Sondra, for a wonderful voyage. Thank you especially for Madeira. You captured the city with your wonderful pictures. Oh the floral carpets. So pretty. Portugal is very unique and feels homey to me. I, too, rode the ups and downs of your voyage with you. You were very brave to keep us up in detail on how things affected you. I've never seen anyone else be this honest in a blog. The ending is sad, but I felt many of the same emotions with you and I'll will miss you greatly. Good luck to you and Bill as you go home. I will think of you often and miss greatly hearing about your day. Liz F.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for doing this blog & making it available to the public to view. I enjoyed checking out what new adventures & discoveries that you had experienced during the past 4 months. I will miss your updates from exotic places that I got to visit through your awesome pictures. Thanks again. Enjoy life back in your real world next week.
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed your blog and thank you for taking the time to write it. I forwarded your wonderful Egypt pictures/blog to my son who teaches Egyptian history to sixth graders. He thoroughly enjoyed it, too! I followed three blogs written by people on this world cruise and all were interesting, but yours was the most honest. I appreciate all the ups and downs that you have shared with us and know that I most likely would have felt the same way about several things that you did. We have sailed on the Amsterdam and the ship is lovely, but I do think it would become boring on such a long cruise. I applaud you for getting off early in a couple of the areas and following your own excursions to make the most of your trip. Enjoy the last days of your cruise home!
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