It’s my birthday, I’m 61 today. It doesn’t feel as exciting at last year when I was retiring and recovering from My Operation (more about that one day), but it still feels good to be fit and well and on holiday.
We flew from Gatport Airwick with Monarch, my first experience with this package airline. The flight was no frills, no leg room and instant coffee, but it was cheap. I’m a man that loves a bargain, so having cramp in my left leg was all part of the “fun”.
Madeira is out in the Atlantic 500 miles off the coast of Morocco, and has been Portuguese for almost 500 years. It’s a volcanic island poking up from the depths of the Atlantic! With peaks that rise up to 6,000 feet above sea level. The top of the island gets lots of rain, which is channeled down to the fertile sunnier parts of the island using irrigation channels.
Our Air b’n’b is in Funchal, the busy capitol of Madeira. It’s a city spread along the side of the central mountain, so there are lots of steep hills. Our place overalls the historic centre of the city and the harbour. It’s only took 10 minutes to walk down hill to the old town and tourist centre. A waitress charmed us into the Spotlight restaurant and I had a steak, it is my birthday after all!
Now we need to plan what to do tomorrow, which means engaging our brains, not so easy after a 3 course does none and a bottle of very good vino tinto. I think we will find our way round town and get properly oriented. I would discuss it with Julie, but she has fallen asleep!
timharnesstravels 
I assume you meant cramp!!! Too tired to edit, yes? HOW MANY candles on your cake??? 61……..so you have caught up with me again!! Have fun but don’t wear Julie out! Take care both of you. Sally xx
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Yes I’m 61 years old and decrepit and can’t spill anymore. We are up a mountain called Monte having a beer, it’s very nice!
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