Funchal

If its Monday, it must be Madeira.

In February last year, Funchal was devastated by horrific flooding. I can remember seeing it on the TV. We knew some of the worst-hit areas, as we had been here for a week in 2005. Most of the damage has been cleared away now, but in the harbour there is an enormous mud-flat which is where they are putting all the washed-down silt until it can be cleared away more permanently.

Today, however, was a lovely sunny day. We went up in the cable-car and came down on the famous toboggan-run. Our previous visit had also been in February - a very wet week it was, too. The tobogganeers were out on that occasion, but very clearly not looking for business.

I did take photographs of the toboggan-run; but Mrs jml did not find it a pleasant experience - so I decided not to blip this part of our trip.

Instead, here is a lovely cafe and some beautifully-presented smoked salmon.