Another Day

Dr Anne and JD went to Blandy's for a wine tour today.

JD waiting for the experience.

The barrels maturing.

The tour.

The tasting.

Boxing Day

The weather turned warm in Madeira today.

Dr Anne and JD decided to head for the cable car and up to Monte.

It was a spectacular view as the car headed up over the city of Funchal.  

There followed a visit to the church at Monte.

The nativity scene was typically Madeiran.

Dr Anne and JD then entered the levada and headed for Camacha. 

It was an exhilarating experience.

JD had to take off the cardigan early on.

JD stepping out.

Half way along there was a stop at a Tea House for apple pie and tea.

A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar

Joinson, S. (2012). A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar. London: Bloomsbury.

Greygranite recommended this read when Dr Anne set off for India in October.  Only now has she settled into the read.  This was a beautifully written book.Two stories run parallel one in the 20s in India and one in the present day in England.  What is the link?  Dr Anne couldn't wait to find out.  She awards the book a 8/10.

Christmas Day

Dr Anne and JD went up the hill at the back of the Palheiro Estate.  

They then went to the Blandy Gardens.

They reflected the season and were a bit sparse.

They took their walking sticks with them.

JD at Blandy Gardens

Christmas Eve

Dr Anne and JD have just returned from another trip down to the centre of Funchal.

They keep being amazed by the wonderful lights.

23 December

Dr Anne and JD went to the carol singing at the Fish Market.  They arrived at 9.30 p.m. thinking that the performance was at 10 p.m. It was actually 11 p.m. JD didn't want to hang around but if you know Dr Anne she is persistent.

The pair waited at the rail.  The TV camera crew came in and all of a sudden the presenter turned around and interviewed Dr Anne!  Was it her first time in Madeira?  Was she looking forward to the carols?  Was she going to sing?

The people around were so friendly, the couple from Trondheim, the Madeirans, young and old.

It was non stop singing for an hour and a quarter.

What a happy time.

Lights in Funchal

Dr Anne and JD went into Funchal last night to view the lights.

Little needs to be said about the fantastic display.

There will be more to come.

The snowmen are in the main concourse.

The angel at the cathedral.