April 12, 2006 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
I had always read about Madeira and only knew that it was famous for wonderful embroidery and fortified wine. What a nice surprise to find a charming island with white houses with red adobe roofs. Alemitu went on a shore excursion that had been donated to Carter and I went off to explore the island on my own. Carter had to work for the morning. The weather was perfect, cool and sunny, warming as the day matured. The people were friendly, each sidewalk had a different pattern, based on the street. This is a volcanic island, so there is plenty of black lava for decoration.
Then in the afternoon, Carter and I headed off with the personal trainer and we took the cable car up to the top of the island. I didn’t see much since I had my eyes closed most of the time. Then there is an island tradition of riding a wicker basket down the steep streets, with two runners controlling the descent. Again, terror set in for me. Carter and Allison shrieked and laughed while I bore my terror in silence. I did almost wrench Carter’s anterior leg off, as I held on for dear life.
The wicker ride only took us half way down the hill, so we had quite a hike to get to the bottom. All in all, we walked over 8 miles today, but the final jaunt was so nice, giving us a chance to enjoy the personal gardens of the people of Funchal, to marvel at the fact that they often had vineyards right within their gardens. We returned to the ship tired but having a great place to visit in the future.
April 14, 2006 At sea in the Atlantic
Well, we truly know that we are on the way home. We look at all that we have accumulated and wonder where it will all be put – how much will we have to pay in excess baggage? We are also looking at our lives as we return to real life. What have we missed, and what will be getting more attention? Pretty heavy stuff.
One passenger announced that she had already packed 10 suitcases and still had an entire rack of clothes to go. She was so relieved when the cabin steward presented her with 3 bags that she had forgotten about and placed in storage when she arrived……I don’t think I have 13 bags of clothes to my name, much less on the ship!
April 16, 2006 At sea in the Atlantic
On the early morning of April 15, Carter was called because a crew member was suffering from abdominal pain. It ended up being one of those horrible situations where the young man has appendicitis and we are 2 ½ days from land, either way we go. It has been interesting to see the reaction of the ship’s passengers and crew. Some people are interested only as to whether this will impact their travel plans, never a word about the poor crew member. And, of course, there is the other side of the equation. Less than 4 hours from the first call, there was a passenger, asking us about the young man by name, wishing him well, concern written on her face. We didn’t know that anyone knew, but word travels quickly. So Alemitu and I have learned to not disclose any information, but to still be polite and respectful. She has been to see the young man several times since she and he would joke around most days. All of the religious groups on board have added him to their prayers, while the captain has changed the course of the ship to make an emergency landing in Bermuda as soon as we can reach it. At this moment he is doing well. We can only wait and see. Not something I am too good with.
April 17, 2006 At sea in the Atlantic
So far, so good. The young man is stable, not getting worse.
posted by Hills @ 11:37 AM
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