We’re getting a bit weary of the British weather lately, not to mention our solicitor’s slowness in completing the purchase of our new place in Shrewsbury. Our pals Hayley and Paul had a holiday to Madeira last week and pronounced it excellent, so without further ado we booked the same hotel. We arrived yesterday afternoon. The hotel is a smart 4 star a little way from the island’s capital, Funchal. View from our balcony.

Madeira has a nice climate all year round, though there is more rain in the winter months. This morning it was decidedly wet, but we had a stroll into the city. It’s very nice, with lots of formal gardens.

We came across a bar which has a namesake in Wengen. On the Rocks.

Funchal has a busy port and a big marina.

Eventually the rain gave way to strong sunshine. Last night we popped into a local pub for dinner, and we visited it again for lunch today.

Now we need to choose somewhere to eat tonight from the hundreds of places that Funchal has to offer.