Pride of Madeira

This delightful blue flower is the national flower. They’re certainly not short of a good selection to choose from. Plant a twig, any twig, and it will probably grow, even if you’re not green fingered. This is an endemic plant, and is usually the choice of bees and insects.

It was overcast today. I set off fairly early and walked over to the Fort, and the poncha bar (only coffee at that time) and to check on the house. It’s nearly finished, bar a bit of painting, but it now looks just like all its neighbours, without that eerie magic..... progress I fear.

Still overcast so I caught the number 2 bus over to the Praia Formosa area. The caves are still closed so you can’t walk the coastal path to Camara de Lobos. There was a lot of damage and I fear it will be a long time before it’s declared safe.

The Doca do Cavacas, a long time favourite restaurant, was open, serving amazing and good value seafood and fish. I paused and watched a crazy hang-glider swooping lower than normal. Was he waving, in trouble, or advertising ? I’m afraid none of us knew.

Last night’s concert was magnificent. A drink on Reid’s terrace, followed by Mozart, Philip Glass, Piazzolla and Karl Jenkins.

This is the life....