Little Lolly's Small Adventures: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal. Excursion: Eira do Serrao & Monte Basket Sleigh Ride.

The Prinsendam made good headway northwards from Tenerife, arriving in Madrid earlier than expected, i.e. around midday. Tours were not re-scheduled to earlier morning and were left as is at their usual timed slots.

It was overcast but it didn't deter people from getting off the ship to explore. I decided to remain on board until my assigned tour time and had a bit of a wander around the ship with Paul. He had to see to the painters near the aft lido when the captain joined him. Both he and Paul showed the painters the area to paint (using a paint roller to mark an outline). The chap went to get some back-up supplies and whilst doing so, the captain and Paul decided to continue painting. The painter's face was a picture when he saw his bosses painting 😆 - and they finished the section they wanted him to do. There were more bits to paint on the aft lido deck so the painter's job wasn't taken away from him entirely.😊

Not far away from aft lido was the spa and salon so I put my nose in for a peek. Two ladies from the shore excursions department were having a pamper morning session. Judy was getting a manicure, pedicure and nails done and Myra was treating herself to a hair do. I don't blame them for taking a bit of time out - the tours were being dispatched later on so it was good to see them having a bit of fun.

The excursion consisted of a bus ride along narrow roads up to Eira Do Serrado for a panoramic view over the island. We also were given a small glass of cherry brandy (Ginga), which went down a treat, and a piece of cake. Needless to say, I ended up buying two bottles of Ginga because it tasted very nice. Unfortunately we didn't have too much time to take photographs because fog started to seemingly flow down the mountainside and too soon any views there were - disappeared. As we were departing Eira Do Serrado other tour buses started to arrive - and their passengers wouldn't get even a peep of the views, unless the fog lifted. The narrow roads seemed even scarier in the fog and the driver certainly held his nerve.

We arrived in Monte in one piece and the rain had stopped. We had the opportunity to visit the Church of Our Lady Monte and walk through the beautiful surrounding gardens but I didn’t go, deciding to stay with a lovely guest by the name of Norma. She couldn't manage the steps up the hill to the church so she and I took a slow walk to the departure point of a basket sledge ride. We didn't have to wait too long for the rest of the group to join us.

The traditional basket sledges, which date back to early 19th century, were used by the locals as a means of transport to travel quickly from the village of Monte to the city of Funchal.

I don't usually do selfies but ...

Then the fun began, watching people take their turns for a basket ride down the hill with two men dressed in white with boater hats and leather shoes doing the guiding of the sled, breaking or pushing (if needed). It started to rain but the ride went ahead. I accompanied Norma and we had such fun. Despite her age and her frailty, she was like a youngster living life to the full (what a woman!). 💓 At some point the lads brought out a piece of plastic sheeting to help protect us from the rain – but we got damp nevertheless but it was great fun. In days gone by the roads were cobbled stone but now the road is tarred but doesn't have quite the same gliding feel as would cobbled. There was also a fair amount of vehicle traffic on the same downhill stretch of road that we were on - so if they stopped or slowed, our baskets had to stop or slow down. At one or two intersections we passed, someone would be halting the traffic to let the sleds continue. Just as well we got to the end of the ride when we did because the rain became heavier; and all rides stopped after the sled behind us. Fortunately everyone in my bus had gone down the hill before me.

We headed into Funchal to visit Bordal, an embroidery factory. Norma wasn’t put off by the rain and we took a slow walk to the factory together. It put someone else (who stayed on the bus because of not wanting to get wet further) to shame.

At Bordal there was wine tasting and we had an opportunity to look at embroidery items (all made by hand and none of the 'made in China' stuff). We could buy things if we wanted too. I had a wander around and had a look at an area where there were old patterns, photographs of people doing embroidery, etc.

The tour came to an end and we made our way back to the ship to dry off.

When Paul finished work the rain had stopped so we went ashore to have a wander and have dinner. Sardines for him, octopus (poor bugger) for me. It was a very nice meal though.

The Prinsendam has an overnight stay in Funchal and we will leave tomorrow afternoon. I'm glad because crew can get off the ship for a few hours and make most of their time ashore - bearing in mind that work begins in the morning.

PHOTOGRAPHS

The Prinsendam

Maya treating herself to highlights

Judy getting her nails done

"This is where we want you to paint..." Well, after this picture was
taken the captain and Paul got stuck in and painted while the
painter went to get extra supplies!

These poles are going to get painted. The painter has first hooked
up a safety line so that he won't fall overboard when he does
the side of the ship!

Madeira from the ship

Views from Eira Do Serrado

Monte

Basket sled ride, Monte

Lovely Normal looking forward to her basket ride.
I love her hat! Amazing lady!

The woman in the basket behind us doesn't look too happy.
She's probably soaked from the rain - and it doesn't look like
they were given a plastic sheet to keep over their chests and knees
to keep dry.

Bordal