Aloha Madeira!

It's been a while since I last posted anything on here. I've been working hard and partying harder!

Me and Martin went away on holiday to my hometown, Madeira. We've been several times but this was without a doubt the best holiday we've ever had since we opened our shop four years ago. 

Usually going back home means a lot of driving around, visiting all family members, which sometimes isn't much fun as everyone's always working but this time was completely different.

We truly enjoyed Madeira, probably in the way that tourists do, and it was fabulous!

On our first week we mainly visited Funchal. There are many new traditional markets in the Old Town which are a must go. I found a lovely 1950's wicker atomic plant stand for €2!

The souvenir shops in the area have dramatically changed from having dated deadstock from the 80s and are now full of really cool things that won't make your friends cringe when you buy them as a souvenir. I think they have finally realised that Madeira has much more to offer and are marketing it more as a tropical island than a retirement haven. The staff were also incredibly friendly and happy to help. We tried some local mango liquor which was absolutely delicious. Had to get a couple of bottles!

The restaurants and bars in the Old Town are vibrant and full of life. This side of Funchal used to be a no-go zone a few years back, but has since evolved into the cultural heart of Funchal.

Everything is going on here, from live art to exhibitions, markets, live music, excellent restaurants and bars. I would thourougly recommend spending at least a day here.

Pretty flowers by the sea in Zona Velha (Old Town)

Martin at the new gardens in Almirante Reis

Beautifully decorated traditional "ginja" bar - Ginjinha

Me and my Uncle Sergio stood in the cute pebbled street

Artwork on one of the doors, part of an ongoing project in Zona Velha where all the doors in the are have been decorated.

Part 2

After spending about a week in Funchal we decided to go to the warmer side of the island, Calheta.

We met some great people and had an absolutely brilliant time.

On our first night, we went to a rum bar named Maktub in Paul do Mar. This has to be the coolest and most tiki place on earth. A tiny bar by the beach, with a never-ending supply of Havana Club and chilled out music. You'll never want to leave!  We went there every night and slurped copious amounts of caipirinhas (insane amount of rum) for only €3. Pina Coladas are in a pineapple and were so refreshing and sweet I could drink them all day! (€5 for a two person sharer)

Me and Martin enjoying our pina colada and caipirinha :)

We had a great time in Maktub from day one. Everyone was so welcoming and it felt like we'd known them all our lives (either that or it was the caipirinha speaking... hehe). It is a gathering place for people from all over the world and from all walks of life. They were all genuinely interesting people with a relaxed outlook on life and I can only hope to see them again when I return.

Maktub and full moon

Another thing that will make you keep going back to Maktub night after night is the glorious sunset that takes place around 8pm. Everyone sits outside every evening and gets hipnotised by this amazing sight. It doesn't get much better than this!

Sunset at Maktub

The owners of the Maktub bar also run a guest House in the village next door, Jardim do Mar. They turned a once abandoned and completely derelict ruin into a beautifully restored traditional stone house. There are so many little details that make this place so special; light fittings made out of rusty funnels, enormous amounts of indigenous plants, great location and most of all, great relaxed atmosphere.

Chilling in the courtyard at Maktub Guest House

Enjoying the view upstairs

Clever and great looking lightshade

The owner of Maktub Guest House, Henrique, took us out on three day trips on his sailing boat, Kept Lady. We saw dolphins, hammerhead sharks, we caught some fish and ate it on board, we swam in the deep blue. This was truly the best experience I have ever had in my entire life.

Paty and Martin waiting to go on the Kept Lady

Me just before I was sick on dolphins!

On-board barbecue

Swimming in the Deep Blue

 For the rest of the holiday we spent our time going to the back and walks in the countryside. We went on a Levada Walk to "Lagoa do Vento" which I had never been too. It was quite a steep descent into the lagoon but completely worth it, what a magical place. We had a swim and a picnic!

My dog Royce at the beach. What a cutie!

Lagoa do Vento

 I left Madeira wanting to return as soon as possible, despite the scary landing and lift off.