12/28/2007: Funchal, Madeira:
As we approach the port of Funchal on this Portuguese island, majestic peaks suddenly appear out of the mist. The volcanic island is punctuated by high, rocky peaks and the crater of an extinct volcano. The entire island is only 35 miles long and 13 miles wide. Roads climb and drop dramatically from one ravine to another.
Funchal is the capital of the Madeira Islands. It is also the largest city. The city is named for fennel which grows in abundance there. Two nature reserve islands are part of the municipality and are located 100 miles south of the city. In the 16th century Funchal was an important port of call between the Indies and the New World. It was known as a wealthy place and was the port from which Madeira sugar and wine were shipped.
Madeira’s fertile soil and perfect climate lead to an abundance of flowers and vegetation.
Today we visit the ancient fishing village of Cabo Girao which is located just below the second highest sea cliff in the world. Looking down from a height of almost 1500 feet, the city of Funchal, the seacoast, and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean are spread out before us. There is great beauty in all of it.
Back in Funchal City, we tour a fascinating embroidery factory where every step in the creation of fine pieces is done carefully and artfully by hand. We climb the ancient stairs of highly polished hardwood from floor to floor, ascending at least 6 stories. Each level contains new wonders. The embroidery is flawless. The workers are totally immersed in their tasks of designing patterns, drawing them, covering the thin paper with pin pricks in the exact spots, rolling ink over the patterns inch by inch, stitching, hand washing, ironing each piece, and placing the distinctive company seal in one corner of the finished product. It is amazing to watch the process from start to the completion of each finely crafted product.
From there we walk to the produce market where we enjoy viewing and purchasing items from a colorful array of tropical and sub-tropical fruits and vegetables. Other market offerings are flowers, freshly caught fish, and hand crafts.