I am back home safe and sound now after a flight delayed by 90 minutes then no food on board for a 4 hour flight! Still, it was EasyJet so you gets what you pay for I suppose.

Sorry the video clips I sent do not appear to work, they showed quite spectacular waves and waterfalls!

Here are a few more photos.... and the end of this particular blog. Thanks to all those who took the trouble to have a look.

Anita
Assistant Cook, Stavros S Niarchos.

Airport delays

Our flight, due out at 11.40 is now showing as 12.30 The sun outside looks gorgeous and I wish I was on a levada walk rather than sat waiting for am Easijet flight.

Last evening

The tour of Blandy's wine lodge and museum was very interesting and educational. Now I understand the difference between sherry and Madeira . At the end of the tour they gave us 2 small glasses of Madeira, one 3 years old and the other 5. They said we could taste the other wines but would have to pay for them. The most expensive was 95 euro per taste! I have to say that the glasses they gave us were larger than I would have expected for a wine tasting and they were very good. It was drizzling again when we came out and has continued the same since. The forecast from tomorrow is hot and sunny for days! Just our luck to be going home just as the weather improves. Never mind. It has given me a feel for Madeira and I will come back for more extensive walking one day. Home to my loved ones tomorrow. Missed them all especially Amber my princess and Axel my kissing monkey. :-)

More rain.

We went out for a walk along the coastal road this morning. After confirming the times for the wine tasting at Blandys wine museum and a walk through one of the parks where children were pushing wheeled sticks round a road circuit learning road sense. we climbed up St Jose's tower overlooking the harbour - supposed to be the smallest principality in the world. We then continued on passed Reid's Hotel, the grandest and most famous on the island. It then started to rain quite steadily so we bought some filled rolls and have just eaten lunch in our room. Going to Blandy's to get tipsy at 3.30

Thursday 4th

Not sure what the plans are for today. I would have liked to in on a longer walk on the northern coast but Margaret said she does not want to sit on the bus for a couple of hours it would take to get there. Probably end up not walking and just going for a wine tasting walk round Blandy's wine lodge. End up tiddly and sleep it off all afternoon.

Wed pm

Have not been able to do anywhere near as much walking as I had hoped. Many of the longer walks are not accessible by bus and taxis are too expensive. I love the island and would like to return, maybe with a walking group so we can arrange transport to and from the start of more remote walks. The euro/sterling exchange rate also makes the island a bit expensive though there are some bargains to be had. Maybe I will do what our friend Jan today is doing - come for a month in an apartment where you dont have to eat out every day and so I can save money that way.

Photos from Wed

Just a few more photos from a wonderful walk.