Leave us in peace

A beautiful sunny and sparkly Sunday in Funchal.

The light was magnificent walking down through the Santa Catalina Gardens.

The Cathedral was full. As it approached eleven, the Queen Elizabeth cruise passengers thinned out, the music began, and it was fuller than I’ve ever experienced.

I don’t speak Portuguese and I am not a Catholic, but years of coming, watching RTP3 Madeira, and general nosiness, means that I can grasp the flavour of what is going on.

A young and passionate priest gave a very moving sermon, with the focus clearly on Ukraine. The magnificent music, and the devotion of the Madeirans, filling all the seats and standing where they could, made this a sombre, beautiful and inspiring occasion. Luckily, masks can hide the deepest emotions. 

For my last full day, I just enjoyed the city, had a delicious chilled white wine, and returned to the hotel to swim and pack.

As I passed this well known statue, it seemed to say - Stop. Putin. Leave the world in peace and harmony.