Funchal - Madeira Island - Portugal - Page 6 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

biaria · 06-21-2009, 10:03 AM

The other day I mentioned the Toboggan Ride was done down a cobblestone road, not anymore, the cobblestones have been covered by a layer of tar. This makes for a nicer smoother ride, of course.

frannieburr · 06-21-2009, 01:57 PM

If anyone is traveling to Maderia, I went last year on princess and hired daniel the taxi for a tour. Wonderful drivers great rates and a wonderful tour.. I highly recommend him. For info contact..jd-taxi@hotmail.com or his web.
My Back Ground

nancy

frannieburr · 06-21-2009, 01:57 PM

oops here is the website
My Back Ground

biaria · 06-21-2009, 02:17 PM

Hi Nancy,

This is our old website, we're now in the process of creating a new one, with much more information.

Thank you so much for the nice words about Daniel.

biaria · 06-21-2009, 03:27 PM

First, let me tell you we're having a Beautiful 1st day of Summer here, in Madeira.

This year, Saint John's Festivities started early, maybe to take advantage of the weekend, as the proper day (24th June) falls on a Wednesday.

Calheta is one of the villages where it's very well commemorated, with Marches, very much similar to Saint Anthony's, followed by fireworks and other types of music. Food and drink stalls are also present.

All over the island, though, people like to decorate their houses with colourful paper garlands and ballons with lights inside. It's also costumary to eat tuna with potatoes, beans, sweet corn, etc.

In downtown Funchal, there's a small restaurant area that, during one week, gets all decotated, tables are put outside and they serve the traditional Saint John's food. Musical entertainment will be around the place as well.

In Portugal mainland, Porto is where the highlights take place. On the evening of the 23rd, people walk around town, holding plastic hammers and hammering whoever crosses their path. At 11pm, a beautiful fireworks display unfolds for all to see. I was there once and the place was crowded, we could hardly move.

Char · 06-21-2009, 04:01 PM

We will be anxiously awaiting your new web site Eusebia.

nealberk · 06-21-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biaria

The other day I mentioned the Toboggan Ride was done down a cobblestone road, not anymore, the cobblestones have been covered by a layer of tar. This makes for a nicer smoother ride, of course.

Without all the bumps, what fun is it?

biaria · 06-21-2009, 10:29 PM

Yes, no bumps now.

biaria · 06-22-2009, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Char

We will be anxiously awaiting your new web site Eusebia.

Hi Char,

I'm also looking forward to be able to see the new website online.

My son has been very busy with his academic duties, so the website has been in stand-by for a while. He's having his last test of the semester today, his next task is to finish the website.

Char · 06-22-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biaria

Hi Char,

I'm also looking forward to be able to see the new website online.

My son has been very busy with his academic duties, so the website has been in stand-by for a while. He's having his last test of the semester today, his next task is to finish the website.

He has his priorities straight. ......school is first.

Funchal sounds delightful this time of the year. The times we have been there it was slightly coolish. Our stops were on transatlantics either in the early spring or in the fall. No European cruises currently booked. We are doing the Panama Canal again in September.