Got in on Valentine's Day around 2 and were met at the airport by Bernardo, my contact at the University. He brought along his daughter and their brand new month old puppy. It was quite the welcoming:
We took a couple of pictures off the veranda at the new apartment and spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking and such.
Later that evening Bernardo returned to show us around the city via car. The next morning (Sunday) we walked into the center of town and saw things more clearly. Lots of amazing views and interesting buildings and parks. The picture below is of one of the three rivers that runs through town to the Atlantic. They have managed to grow a canopy of flowers above it:
We live in Lido, at the western edge of the city, and it takes about 20 minutes on foot to get to the old center of town. Lido is close to the hotel district and is near a couple of swim centers and also has many parks. We found one basketball goal; it had no net, but it will do. We went to the shopping forum, from where I am typing this, and bought the only 28.5 basketball (you know it!) along with some other housewares and the cheapest cell phones they had, so we can stay in touch with one another (and Bernardo) on the island.
A couple of blocks from our flat, there are some great trees, also near the basketball goal. See if you can find Zelle and Bishop.
We are still settling in and finding our way. We hope to have wireless in the flat on Monday or Tuesday, at which point we can check email and all that.
Hey Guys!!!! Madeira is gorgeous. Great pictures of you all. Keep them coming. The experience so far seems awesome. Enjoy every day. Before you know it you will be back in South Carolina!!! Love you all, Ashley, Alston and Charles.
ReplyDeletehey! what an incredible adventure! I, like others, cannot wait for the next post! Anything we are doing in Spartanburg would seem so BORING but I will still try to keep you up to date on Griffin wins, SDS happenings and gossip in general... take care and write often, B, B, H &J
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are sooo pretty! And those trees look like so much fun! That is one of the cutest little puppies I have ever seen, and the view is amazing!
ReplyDeleteEverything is so beautiful...the flowers and the view from your veranda...love the pictures and writing from you all...looks like a fun time with the puppy and new friend. Love all of you so much! Ana/Mom
ReplyDeletehey guys!! I can see that you are having bunches of fun. Zelle, band isn't the same without you. B, try not to get into to much trouble and try some new foods besides bread, fruit, and pastries. Luv ya, miss ya!!
ReplyDeleteLyndsey
Hey Bishop!!
ReplyDelete"This is Camp. I miss you and I hope you are having fun. I hope you meet new friends. I am glad you have a place to play basketball."
From- Camp
Of COURSE they would come to meet you with a puppy!
ReplyDeleteIs that international ESP or what???
I am so appreciative of the detail in which you are describing your trip! We feel as if we are with you ... It seems that you have met many wonderful people and I look forward to hearing more.
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