Madeira:Rocking and Rolling into the Millenium 9

Land Ahoy!! After 7 days at sea, the scenic Island of Madeira is a welcome sight. The island is a lush green, with rugged mountains rising from the deep blue sea. White buildings with orange tile roofs, dot the landscape. Madeira is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, south of the Azores, 350 miles off Morocco. Madeira is the largest island in the group and only Madeira and Porto Santo are inhabited. The islands of Desertas and Selvagens are too narrow and rocky.

Although Madeira was known to earlier civilizations, it was uninhabited until Joao Gonzales Zarco rediscovered it in 1418 under the auspices of Prince Henry the Navigator. Funchal, the capital city was founded in 1421 and Zarco became the first Governor. He named the island after the forests that covered it. In later years grapes and sugarcane were introduced and now Madeira is renowned for it's sweet wine, embroidery, hand made lace and wickerwork.

Madeira is a year-round resort because of its fine beaches and subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from17c to 24c from July to October. The winters are approximately 4C lower. Because of the topography and the warm currents, the island is a myriad of microclimates. Funchal bay has the best of sunshine except in February and March when the capacete (helmet)of enveloping clouds, appear. At this time of the year Ponta do Sol and Calheta, have brighter sun, but also have sea breezes.

We arrive at the dock at 2:00 PM and after the ship has been cleared, Clara, mom and I disembark ready for our Madeira adventure. We meet our driver and start our tour with a drive around the city of Funchal, the capital of the Madeira district for almost 500 years.

Located in an amphitheater-like location, Funchal rises from sea to mountainsides, rising almost 1200 meters. Early settlers settled here because of the natural shelter the topography provided. It is believed that Funchal got its name from the abundant growth of fennel in the area. Funchal is sometimes called the Pearl on the Ocean and the Floating Garden. Madeira is a gardener's paradise, with lots of parks and green space. There are many beautiful public gardens,including Orquidea and Botanical gardens. There are also many private gardens, banana plantations, farms and vineyards in the countryside. Some are open to the public.

Throughout the city, there are flowers, flowering trees and gardens. In the street near the "Se" the famous 16th century cathedral. there are flower vendors selling colorful flowers and plants.

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