Funchal, Madeira

This is a lovely island in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa.

All he surveys is his kingdom. 

We decided to explore local custom by hurtling down hill for 2 KM in a wicker togaggon.

Fortunately there was a gondola to take us to the top of the mountain.

These tobaggons were originally used to carry produce from the farms in the mountains to the markets below.

Then one day, one guy got an idea to add a bench to his tobaggon.

And this crazy tourist attraction was born.

At first you are led out.  Then you get to the incline.

The only way to stop is your guys being competant and the soles of their standard issue rubber boots.

We had a blast!  The people on the wicker widowmaker behind us said our tobaggon was sending out sparks! 

That was a great way to start the day!

 

It may have helped that I visited the Sè Monte before our ride.

It was up the hill, around the bend, up 52 steps,  onto a platform to admire the front, and another 22 steps. 

There were two tile work images on each side of the door.

And a lovely simple church with a painted ceiling inside.

After the church and tobaggon we went to sample the local Madeira wine at Blandy's Wine Shop.  The oldest purveyor of Madeira on the island.

It is definitely sweet like a port wine, but the lighter variety was delicious.

We had some time to wander through town.  The streets had those patterned sidewalks that we loved so much in Lisbon.

At the end of this street was the Sè Funchal.  This church was interesting because of its Moorish/Islamic influences.

It had a beautiful carved ceiling.

And arches like those used to portray the cave Mohammed was in when he received his visitation from the angel.

We wandered back to the ship hoping to be part of the send-off party.  But something went wrong and we didn't sail away till after dark!  The wine was nice though.

Next stop Cadíz, Spain.