MADEIRA (FUNCHAL), PORTUGAL – The birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo

Known as the “Garden Island” for its rich agriculture, terraced hillsides and beautiful flowers, the Portuguese island of Madeira is an enchanting Atlantic paradise. With fertile volcanic soils and a temperate year-round climate, it is a horticulturalist’s dream. The island’s ubiquitous irrigation aqueducts, or levadas were dug into the steep hillsides so that early farmers could make use of every patch of land. It was an amazing early engineering feat. It was hard to believe that the tiny island was able to plant bananas, grapes and other agricultural products! There were no vacant land between houses – every inch was planted mostly with grapes or bananas! The houses with elegant wrought-iron balconies were overflowing with flowers. It truly is a “Hidden Gem in the Atlantic”!

Our tour bus took us to the highest elevation on the island and were able to enjoy the awesome panoramic view of Funchal! We stood on a glass floor looking down below the steep cliffs of Cabo Girao – one of the highest cliffs in the world! They served us Poncha – a traditional alcoholic drink from the island of Madeira, made with aguardente de cana (distilled alcohol made from sugar cane juice), honey, sugar, and either orange juice or lemon juice. I tried it and it was a very strong drink! The tour guide was right, after you drink three small glasses of this potent mix you start speaking Portuguese!

After the 3-hour bus tour around the southern part of the island, we were given a choice – stay and explore the city on your own or go back to the ship? It was a perfect walking day, the temperature was in the mid-60 degrees and sunny! Most people stayed to immerse themselves in the unique culture of the island. Our group walked to Sao Sebastian’s cathedral then decided to try the local cuisine as it was nearing noon already and we only had light breakfast.

Next we visited the local market as it was a Friday (market day on Friday and Saturday). Colorful flowers were on display all over; tropical fruits I’ve never seen; and of course, the Madeira Fortified wine I bought the dry one to bring home). We bought a strange looking tiny orange fruits which the vendor claimed tasted like cherries – they did not! We also bought a couple of cherimoya and ripe mangoes which we ate sitting on a bench.

The night before we arrived in Madeira, we were treated aboard the ship with a sensational performance by one of the ship’s assistant cruise director – Carl Ignacio, a Filipino with an amazing voice! He was accompanied by the all-Filipino Viking Band! Their performance was so dazzling – pop, rock, and musical theater classics – that the audience gave them a standing ovation and wanted more! Carl Ignacio also sang a Pinoy song along with Maria and Zee of the Viking Band which kept the guests clapping.

Tomorrow we will be crossing the Strait of Gibraltar which separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Mediterranean Sea. We will visit one of my favorite ports when I was in the navy – Malaga! I will finally get to eat Spanish tapas again!