Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Walks in Funchal

We have walked a lot.  Madeira is hilly and beautiful.  In any given block, one can find something worth photographing; I suppose in a few more weeks we will grow more accustomed to the surroundings, but for now it is difficult not to ogle at every corner.



These are banana trees that we pass on our walk into town.  They are everywhere and the bananas they produce are small and sweet.  They cost about one and half euros for a large bunch at the market.



Downtown Funchal is very busy with winding streets and narrow alleyways with tons of cafes, shoe shops (thanks to Farrar we have been to all of these, and some of them, twice), and friendly, well-behaved dogs.







Besides Madeira wine, the other famous export from the island is some very fine embroidery and lace.  There are only 4 factories remaining on the island, where there used to be around 80 not so long ago.  We stopped in one of the shops and were happy to simply browse.  If we were to purchase a table cloth and napkins, we would be out the majority of my stipend.  It is extremely beautiful and I suspect Farrar will not leave without something...hopefully much smaller than a table cloth.  She could have stayed in this shop for the better part of the afternoon.





By the time we head back home, it is usually getting dark.  The walk at dusk is scenic in its own way and we have no problem stopping to take a break here and there.




While we seem to be drawn to the old part of town, we are beginning to be comforted by the quiet and relative calm of our own neighborhood.


4 comments:

  1. So exciting to see new things on blog; being in Madiera with all the fresh fruit and scenic walking places looks like heaven! And I loved the monastary and all the history you are teaching me (had forgotten all about Vasco deG being from there...also, ordered a poetry book by Pessoa on your recommendation! Seeing all of you having fun is so great...glad there are dogs to get to know! Much love to all, Ana/Mom

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  2. Wow. So exiting y'all! I look forward to following your time there on this blog. I love it so far... John

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  3. Madeira looks BEAUTIFUL and I am glad that you are having so much fun! Everything there is so interesting to see. The scenery looks amazing and everything looks gorgeous! I love checking the blog, and thanks for keeping it updated! Miss all of you!
    -Elizabeth

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  4. The pictures look like they are from a postcard! It is so beautiful! I absolutely love the cobblestone roads! I love reading y'alls blog. Check back soon!

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