After a fairly eventful time previously reported, we arrived safely in Madeira on Sunday. Madeira was a nice, gentle stop for us, because we had been there before. Some years ago, we spent a most enjoyable week on the island. This time, we had a leisurely start, taking the shuttle bus from the ship into town. We then strolled the waterfront and the streets of the old town, before finding a cafe for a coffee and beer. A bit more strolling, until it was lunch time. During this meander, we managed to rediscover a restaurant we had used in our last visit. It was very pleasant sitting outside, overlooking the harbour and having a leisurely lunch.
Strolling back through Funchal, back to the ship, we made a detour to a small supermarket for supplies of lemonade, bottled water and crisps. The cost on land is much, much lower than it is at sea! The lemonade (well 7UP, it was the nearest thing) is to make Pimms as we sit on our balcony, enjoying the sunset. The crisps are to go with it, if we wish. The bottled water is to drink if we are thirsty. (58p on the island, £1.50 on the ship)
We sailed at 6pm, in the company of Balmoral, another Osen boat. Those who recall our world cruise of 2009 will remember that we were aboard her from Dover to Vancouver. She sailed from Southampton at the same time as us on 5th January, but turns out to be not such a good sea boat in rough weather, and had to proceed at a slower speed This meant we had the best berth in Funchal.
Once clear of the harbour, amid much blowing of sirens and waving, we parted; them to sail west to Barbados and on round the world, us south to Cape Verde Islands and beyond.
Today, Monday is a different day. The sea state is moderate; there is a bit of wind creating white caps, but it is warm and sunny.
Drinks on the house before lunch (well OK we probably paid for them in the ticket!!), because we are a Gold Card memeber of the Olsens cruising fraternity. This means we have spent more than 101 days at sea on Fred Olsen boats. To put that in perspective, the award for the highest number of points on this first leg to Buenos Aires went to a couple with 1203 points! Apparently, there is someone on board with even more, but she declined the award (which is rather nice crystal) as she had enough already! That was followed by a very good curry lunch and one hour 15 mins of dancing.
Later, it will be a mile or so round the deck, to get ready for Dinner.
Two more days at sea until Cape Verde Islands, where the air temperature is about 24 degrees Celsius.