Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all from Funchal, Madeira. It has been quite sunny and warm and we are thankful to be outside enjoying the Christmas lights. The difference this Christmas from our 2020 Christmas in Madeira is the cruise ships are back and therefore more people.
Cruise Ships 2022
We are thankful for restaurants that are open, Portuguese food is good- especially the seafood, the wine is cheap, and the people are kind and welcoming.
If strangely dressed. Or not. Tim found this in a small park near the small church 3 miles (and 1800 feet vertical) up from our house. While it looks a little odd at first sight (is that Batman in the background?) it is just the start of the Christmas nativity scene- and these two will become two of the three wise men.
Tim is enjoying hiking up to the church a couple of times a week, here is the view looking back toward our apartment. You can see a couple of cruise ships in the harbor, and our apartment is a few blocks to the right.
View of the small village near the church, a nice place to sit in the shade and cool off for a few minutes after the hike.
This Christmas we were able to attend carol singing and church services in English at a local church. Deb had the good fortune to hear an outstanding organist play this past weekend.
Church in Funchal- not the one with the concert, but the one at the top of the hill.
Organ pipes
Here is a quick recap of the countries we’ve visited since last Christmas: Belgium, Gibraltar, Cyprus (Deb took a quick side trip to America to be with family last Christmas), Israel, Jordan, Spain, Portugal and back in the US this summer for ten weeks. November 9th we flew to the Azores and now we are in Madeira, Portugal and planning a two week side trip to Lisbon in the new year. Flights within Europe are so reasonable.
Toboggan Run Madeira 2022. With the cruise ships back, Tim can see 50 or more tobogganers a day as he walks up to the church.
Christmas scene Madeira 2022
We are happy, healthy and thankful! We are grateful for the lifestyle we have and all it offers. I realize from living on the road for 4 years now, just how grateful I am for all of YOU! Thank you to everyone who has kept in touch with us, whether through our blog, Facebook comments and likes, email, video calls, and in person visits… we appreciate ALL of you and need family and friends more than ever!
Christmas wall of lights
Deb enjoys walking, hiking in the mountains when my body agrees to it, and continue to knit mostly baby items for charity. Once in awhile I get to knit for people I know. That gives me the greatest satisfaction to see the babies snuggled in their little sweaters or blankets. Any requests are happily accepted.
Angel lights in front of main church
Wave lights near harbor
Christmas street lights Madeira 2022
Begonia venusta Madeira
Poinsettias Madeira 2022. A little past their prime, but fun to see them growing wild in so many places. There are also many at the local restaurants, and they are so amazing looking that they don’t seem real. But they grow so happily here.
Sleeping Hibiscus
Merry Christmas to all from Deb and Tim!
