Xmas Cruise 2018 - Madiera Page

New Year's Eve 2018

The `Driver got us here on time, much to my surprise but it was dull & there were sprinklings of rain, the first of which chased us into a café near the excellent berth the Balmoral was in & who were totally uninterested in selling us coffee, unlike one further up the front, which did. Avis needs plenty of rests these days. We saw folk dancers on the main drain, & an amazing crib but largely, a model village on our way to the Cathedral.

Folk dancers

Right: peculiar percussion instrument

In the model village

Cathedral

Another crib in the main street

Angels playing in the street

Inside the Cathedral

The Cathedral was my target for photos inside, which Ken had not got on previous trips. Behind the altar are carvings, painted in an unusual way but it was so dark. Ken took a lot of photos, hoping some would come out ok.

Behind the Altar

More detail

Side chapel

Aisle

Crib

Side chapel

Old wall painting

On the way back, we stopped at the ‘Golden Gate’ café & chatted to a couple of Germans staying in Funchal, although a P&O ship, an Aida one & the Queen Victoria were also in (the Queen Victoria using tenders, most of which could not get ashore!) A procession went by.

There were plenty of Portguguese Tiles to be seen. The 1st one below is in the Cathedral.

Then, we walked back to the ship in a bit of light drizzle.