We spent the day today touring Madeira, an island very similiar to yesterday's visit to the Canary Islands. They share volcanic origin, so both islands are mountainous, with the towns built on the slopes of jagged mountains and the hillsides terraced for planting of crops. Both island economies are built around tourism, with 70% of the income derived from visitors, and the islands look prosperous. If you remember the news from several months back, Madeira had a rugged winter, with horrible flooding. The North side of the island is the wet side, and for five hundred years a system of aquaducts has carried the water to the dryer, more inhabited part of the island. That system was overwhelmed during the torrential rains and the canals through the largest city, Funchal were overflowing into the city streets. Homes built on hillsides slid off, trees were uprooted, it was apparently a mess. It has been cleaned up quickly and we only have their word on the horror they experienced during the storms.
Our buddies from yesterday's cruise, the three beautiful black ladies (about my age) and the single man they travel with (the husband of one of them). I am not sure how the kidding started, but we have had an ongoing roll over laughing relationship, mostly centered around the compliments Mike pays the guy for being surrounded by these dolled up women. I think it may have started when we shared an elevator and Mike looked around and told the gent that he was very impressed with him, his hero. Passing him in the Windjammer was soon after, looking to see what he was eating (hero food), etc. So, for two days in a row we have entertained ourselves with jokes back and forth. From LA, this group is fun and we have enjoyed our laughs together.
The only other dull boring factoid of our day to share is the broken pipe in our hallway that caused a flood. We walked out of our door yesterday to soak to our knees in water. We reported in promptly, and our cabin guy told us today that it was a broken pipe. They had fans going immediately, but now we walk out our door to a retched wet carpet smell. That's our day!
Deanne
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5 comments:
Surprise!! Your old Seattle fan club is still around and still enjoying your travels vicariously through your blog!
So happy to see you are travelling again and blogging again!! What a treat - you are such an excellent story teller! I can't wait to get caught up on all your posts.
Take care and be safe out there :)
Ann Evers
Ann,
It is great to hear from you. I can't imagine how you figured out we were on the road again, but it is wonderful to know you are checkin in. how are you? The kids?
Deanne
Hi! It's snowing in CO this morning (Thursday). It's blowing like a "you know what too" - I imagine the snow drifts up at your place are a mile high! Seriously, it's a spring snow so it will be melted by later today or certainly tomorrow. It's just such a drag - everything was drying out so nicely (except the north side of everthing) and now we have new moisture. Everything is status quo here - just wanted to say "hi". You'll be seeing Caitie soon so even as your cruise draws to a close, you'll have that to look forward to. Talked with Mom this am. Everything is about the same in PS too. She has no plans for her b'day except to spend it alone. Although she did mention she was craving a margarita so perhaps she'll hit the town in search of one! That's about it from here. Happy travels and lots of laughs! Love you, me
Hey
Sorry I haven't written much this time around. One of my dear friends is in hospice so I've been with her most days. Now, enough of a downer - I just wanted to get an excused absence. I've enjoyed your stories as always
Love ya,
jaye
Everybody,
I wrote a great blog yesterday but the ether ate it. True story. Sorry about that. Another coming up.
Jaye, I am so sorry about your friend. Hang in there. I am sure you are a real help to her and her family.
Love you,
Deanne
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