More of Monte, and of the more-urban parts of Funchal as seen from high up in Monte or from the cable cars on the way back down to the more-urban parts of Funchal. Also, the two lovely churches of Funchal, one much more famous than the other, for a very strange reason. I learned when I visited Vienna in October that the very last person to hold the title of Habsburg Emperor ended his life in exile on Madeira, because when Austria decided after experiencing WWI that it wanted to be a Republic, he refused to give up his title and become Joe Citizen instead. So he went into exile on Madeira, ended his life up here in Monte and is buried in the main church. It’s his image on those banners because it was the centenary of his burial and some folks find this a big deal. Or at least a way to attract more tourists. 😊 If you’re looking closely, you’ll also see people in metal-railed sleds that tourists use to slide down the steep streets, guided by two guys in those white caps and suits whom you see walking back up to the starting point, from the parking lot where the employee bus drops them (and possibly the paying tourists also – I didn’t do this ride since it felt silly, single) after each ride down.

As the countdown continues towards both a new year, and the end of my 365 days in a row of posting at least one new post per day, we bring you a collection of sunny, warm photos from … my first morning in Funchal, which was already more than three weeks ago! Ah, memories of warmth and sun now that I’ve seen (and not yet posted) iced-over canals back here in A’dam. Time flies, but photos remain in my folders until I pop them up here or give up. The round building has some historic (military) significance, just fyi. Enjoy – and those of you in the northern hemisphere, notice that the days are now getting longer. Southern hemisphere friends, sorry that our gain is your loss, but you’ve had your six months, now it’s our turn 😊.