It’s a while since we went to Madeira but we chose a trip for Sue’s birthday and it was a pleasant change from freezing weather at home. We had all sorts of flowers coming into bloom and could have done with a trip up into the forest and some gardens but it was a chill type of holiday rather than action. We’d decided that although we liked the previous places we’ve stayed at, we’d like to try the Hotel Porto Santa Maria on the seafront at the old end of Funchal town – what a lovely place, great facilities, better staff and we had a room away from any noise. No jeep safaris for me this time, just getting to walk again after another foot problem so a toddle into the town to the cruise terminal and back was about it. We saw that the Golden Gate Grand Cafe had re-opened again (last July apparently) and that was a pleasant surprise – its been well refurbished. Gives a nice feel to the centre of Funchal again – it was decidedly run down without it.
I was pleased to see that Juan Caldarado and his band are still going strong, they were also at our hotel once evening as well.
Next time we go, hopefully we’ll catch the flower festival which is scheduled to run late April/Early May. Here’s a few pictures – birthday girl got some great flowers organised by the hotel and also a yummy birthday cake.