Sunday, Feb 20
Well, aside from the fact that not 30 minutes ago, out of habit, I am sure, she goes: “Shelagh eat your vegetables!” And wasn’t kidding. I am 36. Of course, I immediately and dutifully dove into my leafy greens. Sigh. More wine, please. Wine has iron in it; too, I am pretty sure.
I got in trouble after taking the above photo. Apparently, it is illegal for some reason to take pictures from a runway/tarmac at an airport? Who knew? It was awesome, though--the TAP employee was totally yelling in Portuguese (surprise!) and gesticulating wildly, and I started giggling like an idiot, I was embarassed, and was like, "WHAAAAAT?? Oh my gooooood! I'm so sooooorrry!" He looked at me with complete disgust. Ugh, I was so tired, I guess I was not nearly as contrite as I should have been, ever giving American tourists the reputation we so richly deserve. Go me. 'merica!
The ride from the airport to the hotel in Funchal was a highlight, since we had to circumvent much of the southern part of Madiera island which is volcanic, and incredibly mountainous.
The views are enhanced by the fact that most of the houses and buildings are white with red tile roofs. So beautiful with the sun and all the green!! The small tour group that we are with allows us to use a smaller bus for traveling, which is great for views and easier than those huge 40+ passenger coach things.
The plants and vegetation are incredible—banana groves, flowers, thick, succulent plants like aloe and other cacti are everywhere—growing lushly on the sides of the road, all rock faces, and also in people’s yards. Basically any surface area that is not covered in asphalt or tile or brick is covered in juicy plants. Ahhh! So great. Smells like earth too, which compared to the rotty smell of 54th street, is a nice change.
Can someone please tell Brian Miller that it was sunny today? Thanks. :D
Successful re-connection with my 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Williams!
For better or for worse, it's the people that you meet along the way that make us who we are. I was very fortunate to have amazing teachers throughout all my years at school, and what a fortuitous coincidence to be taking this vacation with Margaret Williams, formerly of Unqua Elementary school. The chance to see her again and under SUCH different circumstances has been very special—and hey, Lexi Thompson Bossi, she says hi back. Very fond memories of you! I gave her an update on your success. Richard Wesley has not changed at ALL. Neither has Ann McPartlin. Good stuff. This has been quite the MHS c. 1993 reunion as well. Go Chiefs.
For better or for worse, it's the people that you meet along the way that make us who we are. I was very fortunate to have amazing teachers throughout all my years at school, and what a fortuitous coincidence to be taking this vacation with Margaret Williams, formerly of Unqua Elementary school. The chance to see her again and under SUCH different circumstances has been very special—and hey, Lexi Thompson Bossi, she says hi back. Very fond memories of you! I gave her an update on your success. Richard Wesley has not changed at ALL. Neither has Ann McPartlin. Good stuff. This has been quite the MHS c. 1993 reunion as well. Go Chiefs.
The hotel is a resort-style compound, and completely rocks! Our room is incredibly spacious, clean, modern, and we have our own balcony with a ridiculous view of palm trees, the vast hotel pools, and of course, the Atlantic Ocean.
The food is great (just had a badass tuna steak with roasted tomatoes and garlicky potatoes), but OMG, the lounge band is HORRIFIC. I have just tried 5 different adjectives there, and none really capture how bizzaro it is to hear Jimmy Buffet sung by these (undoubtedly talented and well-meaning) Portuguese musicians. Complete with feedback and faulty synth patches. Wow. In fact, I have to go upstairs to finish this silly Blog entry—I am having a physical reaction to the thought of my wedding band being like this. I have to leave the lobby now, as homegirl just dove into “Proud Mary.”
The food is great (just had a badass tuna steak with roasted tomatoes and garlicky potatoes), but OMG, the lounge band is HORRIFIC. I have just tried 5 different adjectives there, and none really capture how bizzaro it is to hear Jimmy Buffet sung by these (undoubtedly talented and well-meaning) Portuguese musicians. Complete with feedback and faulty synth patches. Wow. In fact, I have to go upstairs to finish this silly Blog entry—I am having a physical reaction to the thought of my wedding band being like this. I have to leave the lobby now, as homegirl just dove into “Proud Mary.”
More in a few.
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