Funchal is the capital city of Madeira Islands, an autonomous region of Portugal. The city of Funchal is situated in the southern coast of Madeira, one of the islands of Madeira Islands archipelago. A major tourist destination in the world, Funchal is a favorite stop for cruise ships on trans-Atlantic voyages as well as for sailboats and pleasure yachts. Looking for a perfect spot to know Funchal more, the coffee shops, snack bars and restaurants could be not just as they were but they are every tourist’s gateway into knowing Funchal deeply and intimately.
Overcast sky threatening for one massive rain was hovering over Madeira Islands as the ship approached the small archipelago from the high seas. Fortunately, the rain did not pour down during the duration of our call not even when the ship left the island four hours later. The ship was supposed to be in Funchal earlier on the day at 0900H but due to unfavorable weather along the way, arrival time in Funchal was delayed for almost seven hours. Though the ship arrived late, still the ship must sail for the next port as scheduled. To make the most of the time left, I had no alternative but to rush myself out from the ship or else I won’t see what Funchal has for me. I did manage to visit only a fraction of Madeira, but obviously it is one gorgeous island that my very short visit is not enough to see even a quarter of its natural beauty and splendor.
Madeira’s mild and sub-tropical climate is perfect and the beautiful scenic views from the coastlines to its steep valleys are more than just the plain good looks of a secluded island. Madeira has inhabited “mountainous terrain” that during the night when viewed from the sea, the island looks amazingly great as lights from houses looks as if a group of million stars twinkling. During the day, red tiled roofs of its seemingly identical houses transformed the island into colorful scenery.
Well, the word “disappointment” isn’t in any case the word of the day because I’ve managed to see Funchal on its most remarkable and most picturesque character. The beautiful city was geared up for Christmas and everyone who passed by on Avenida Arriaga, undoubtedly could feel the joyous and festive mode of Christmas. Christmas truly is on the air as the angelic voices of this group of choir singing just in front of Se Cathedral resonates around every corner. Se Cathedral is Funchal’s long lived landmark situated in central Funchal. Another attraction where onlookers and passers could not help but stop for a while and watch in amazement were this group of kids dancing playfully on the street. The red train decorated with artificial snow, a giant Santa Clause, smiling snowman displayed along booths selling Christmas stuff and souvenir items and reindeers towing along a cart full of gift boxes turned the street into a colorful spot.
Funchal’s seafront just opposite from where the ship docked is dominated by floating restaurants. One of these restaurants and probably the largest one I saw is the converted yacht previously owned by the Beatles. So popular as the previous owners, I presumed it would be pricey to enjoy a romantic or just a casual dinner. This is just a guess and perhaps I could be wrong. I should have tried indulging my gastronomic craving if I am not running out of time. Madeira also boasts of its own trademark in the field of wine making. I haven’t tasted a Madeira wine but I believe it is one of the best wines in the world. Hopefully, if the ship will make another call to Funchal, Madeira in the future, I can have a taste of it. Now the ship is at sea heading for its next port of call - Bridgetown, Barbados. We’ll be there after 7 days of navigation at sea. It’s December 25 here in the Atlantic Ocean and here I am again celebrating another Christmas far away from home. I need to have this get posted now so I can call and greet everyone back home a very Merry Christmas.
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