Sea Watch

Porto Moniz, Madeira Island

India Driving

Amazing, don't you think?
In 2.13 minutes no one crashes!!!

Madeira Island

Name that flower II

Watching the clouds from above III

Panels of tiles at Farmers Market, Madeira Island

"The farmers’ market has two panels of tiles at the main entrance and several inside. They were made by the once-famous Fábrica de Sacavém.At the market, which is very near the old Santa Marianeighbourhood, the atmosphere is bustling as you would expect from any market. But this one is ablaze with colours and redolent with the intoxicating perfume of beautiful flowers. Birds of paradise, orchids, king proteas, roses, cattleyas and camellias are sold by the sprightly flower sellers wearing brightly coloured regional costumes.On the upper floor there are tropical fruits, vegetables and spices, while fish and meat are on sale on the lower floor"."[*]

‘Santa Maria’, a replica of the Columbus’ ship

"Did you always want to know what sailing in a 15th century galleon felt like? This wonderful and unique experience of long passed times you can live on the ‘Santa Maria’, a replica of the Columbus’ ship, which is cruising daily along Madeira’s beautiful south coast.Rob Wijntje, a native Dutchman having made Madeira to his and his family’s home, had had this dream of building a full-scale replica of Columbus’ ship for many years. A dream, which finally came true when in July ‘97 he started the construction together with 8 locals in the fishing village Câmara de Lobos.
As no original plans of the ‘Santa Maria’ existed, Rob had to find all his knowledge about this ship from books and pictures and tried to build this replica as close to the original as it was possible under these circumstances. Today’s ‘Santa Maria’ is 22 meters long, has 3 masts, the tallest of which is 16 meters high, and is built entirely of mahogany,Originally Rob “just wanted to built a boat”, but he never imagined the interest that this project would attract. So, right after it was finished, the ‘Santa Maria’ sailed to Lisbon to represent ‘Madeira Wine’ in the ‘Expo 98’. During 25 days of exhibition it received a total of 97.016 visitors!Back in Madeira, the ‘Santa Maria’ serves as an excursion boat, cruising twice a day along Madeira’s south coast, or it takes on special charters. For example, in the summer of 2003 it was booked by two TV companies, one from Germany and another one from the U.S.A., for shooting documentaries, which included this magnificent galleon.During the excursions you will be able to watch a galleon ship crew (who look actually more like pirates… of course friendly ones!) doing their daily routine work while you are enjoying the breathtaking views over the sea and the island of Madeira… and if you're lucky enough you will also get the opportunity to spot dolphins! Free Madeira Wine and honey cake are offered to the passengers during the trip.The ‘Santa Maria’ offers space for more than 100 passengers, a bar and sanitary facilities. For more information, please address to their kiosk at the Funchal Marina or call (from abroad dial first +351) 291220327 or 291225695." [*]

Watching the clouds from above II

The flasher

Watching the clouds from above I

http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Pico do Areeiro, Madeira

Pico do Arieiro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pico do Arieiro, at 1818 meters high (5965 feet), is the Madeira Island's third highest peak.[1] The footpath towards Pico Ruivo is an important tourist attraction, with a daily average of 1000 tourists trekking on it.