Moon River

It’s our last full day on the island, and it’s one to take slowly. We have a wander down to the marina, and sit overlooking the yachts moored there while we enjoy cold beers. It’s hard to think how cold and wet it was last week as we sit feeling distinctly hot in the strong sun. On the other side of the jetty lies The World, a ‘residential’ cruise liner where passengers are also owners, many of whom apparently live on board year round. They decide on the route taken, days stayed in port etc. Needless to say, this is the world of the very, very rich!

We wander up to another contemporary art gallery for a pre-dinner concert celebrating The Buena Vista Social Club. Funchal has a wealth of musical concerts taking place, but this is the first time we’ve made the effort to attend - and we’re certainly not disappointed. The group are very accomplished, and the performance so enjoyable. We both love Cuban jazz and would at one time probably have gone along with the band’s encouragement to get up and dance, but I’m certainly not feeling up to that right now! Mind you, I find the folding chairs so excruciatingly uncomfortable that I’m tempted!

Dinner is in our new gastronomic discovery, Joy. On past visits, we’ve usually taken advantage of the three courses with accompanying-and unlimited-wine offerings that present great value for money and good quality, but since feeling ill last week, it’s been a main course and a shared desert and a single glass of wine. It’s our third visit, and Joy delivers once again.

When we return to our room we go out onto the balcony where we see the moon reflected in a river of gold along the bay. I’ve lost track of dates, but I think it’s a full moon - the pink ‘micro moon’ - though possibly a day past its prime.

I’ve agonised about my main - should it be the portrait format with the moon and its reflection on the water, or should it be the landscape format with just the moonlight on the sea? I think I prefer the latter, but perhaps it’s incomplete without the moon - what’s your take on this?

Edit: thanks for the initial feedback - I’ve swapped them round!