Dog Days

While we are trying to get used to the fact that our days here are numbered, we have been fairly busy enjoying all there is to do in Madeira.  On several occasions we have forgotten to bring the camera along, so unfortunately I do not have any photographs of the only bowling alley on the island.  I guess it means we are starting to feel more at home, more accustomed to our routines, and every outing doesn't feel like something we need to document.  Still, there are plenty of images piling up on the computer and I will try to get as many as I can into this post.

We continue to visit the rocks, where there has been a nice addition to the landscape.

And sometimes we see people of industry, not merely idling by the sea (like us), but working, like this guy who was collecting lapas, which are clam-like (and quite delicious) creatures attached to the rocks in the shallows.

While these rocks are for us often a destination, they are only one small area of the sea promenade that stretches along the western side of Funchal.  Just around the corner is a nice wharf for fishing.

Please note the noble and attentive dog.  They seem to be everywhere, like this other one relaxing at a nearby cafe.

A little further along the promenade there is access to a winding trail 

that provides additional sea views, this one including the seemingly ever-present Santa Maria.

Another familiar walk is the one from the flat to the CAB Madeira gym.  We found another great dog, who lives in a very nice house.

He kept a watchful eye on us as we passed; perhaps our accent confused him.

We also gaze at the futebol field everytime we walk home from the gym, and sometimes they are playing games.

Bishop's practice was recently rewarded with a little basketball tournament in Santana, which is on the north side of the island, and quite an expensive taxi. So, a friend loaned me his car, obviously against his better judgment, or maybe my wife's better judgment.  Whatever the case, I got behind the wheel for the first time in 4 months and zoomed along the via rapida.  And I do mean rapida.

The event in Santana was an outdoor venue that had a number of small courts on a brick patio.

It was truly a court designed (and laid out with masking tape) for the young and daring.

Bishop had a great time.

And then we cleaned up for an afternoon and evening with friends near Machico.  Zelle went to a birthday party and the rest of us knocked around the neighborhood while that was going on.  After visiting the sports park under the airport runway (sorry I left the camera in the car), we wound up in a tiny little bar and the kids decided to take a load off,

while we huddled around the cozy bar.

We were careful not to disturb the proprietor any more than we had to.  He was engaged in a game of Dominoes.

I could have stayed there all night I think,

because, the proprietor, when we disturbed him, was happy to share his home brew.  I have found that everywhere outside Funchal has vinho seco and other home made treats.  This one was made of fire water, honey and other herbs that I can't recall the names.  It tasted a bit like licorice.

But we had a daughter to catch up with and a party to make.  So after we slipped past the guard dog, we were on our way.

I like the way they do birthdays.  The kids have their time in the afternoon, and then the extended family joins in around dinner to continue the party.  I knew we were in good shape when we were welcomed in by an impressive and aged Basset Hound.

The after-party, so to speak, included a Portuguese version of "Happy Birthday."

Of course, kids are kids everywhere, and they played lots of games in the yard.

Notice the view, which includes the airport runway, quite the thrill for the little ones.  The sport of volley is also quite the thrill in Madeira, among the children.

A good time was had by all, and late in the evening, the music came out and some singing of traditional music ensued. 

Everyone slept in the next day.  No pictures.  I mentioned the party was near Machico, which is the 2nd largest city on the island.  It is east of Funchal and a legend has it that it was the first place that people reached.  It is a very nice spot, and we have been there a couple of times to relax.  There is a sea side park with exercise opportunities, for those so inclined.

Like many places on the island it is very scenic and easy going.  It is a nice place to hang out and enjoy friends,

and even make plans,

or just play in the sand (which is imported from northern Africa, I'm told).

The last time we were there, we also saw Farrar's favorite car.  Perhaps we will buy one when we come back to Madeira for longer than a semester.  One can dream.

The other familiar walk is that to our language school.

We find out Tuesday if we passed to the 2nd level.  Again, when we come back. The people at the language school are very nice, and I know we will miss the cafe on the top floor.  This is what I call a "teacher's lounge," for those of you paying attention to how we treat our educators.

Here's to a few more dog days of summer.