Madeira

I'm back in my time share hotel in Funchal for a week.

This is actually week 8 from 2010. February. I didn't get here at that time and I had to use it or lose it by the end of 2012

It is as glorious as ever, although the island is reeling a little from a couple of closures and bankruptcies. Times are hard even in Paradise, I'm afraid.

I've never been here in August. There are children among the greying Brits and my chilly, bracing island pool is warm. Wonderful. This is the view over the Teardrop Pool.