Month: May 2018

Well, what a good nights sleep we had! We left our balcony door open and we listened to the waves on the shore below our window.

I wonder why so few countries have taken the same stance as Madeira? ………

“Conscious of the biological wealth of its natural ecosystems, in 1982 Madeira’s Regional Government declared two thirds of the island as natural reserve, with the creation of the Natural Park of Madeira. For the visitor this means that you are not allowed to pick, damage or disturb in any other way the native species.

Classified as Biogenetic Reserve, the protected area of this park includes the Laurissilva Forest, the Natural Reserves of the Desertas and the Selvagens Islands, the Natural Reserve of Garajau, the Natural Reserve of Rocha do Navio and, of course, the Natural Park itself (Ponta de São LourençoNatural Reserve).”

A lazy day around the hotel. We met a really nice couple, Barbara and Joe from Manchester, the conversation started with us feeding the lizards!

We saw the Tui rep and booked one of the less energetic trips. We were going to book the dolphin and whale watching but she said there were so many dolphins around the coast this time of year, you didn’t need to go on a trip to see them!

We also played cards and read books, such a nice way to spend our day.  The food is so good, we had mussels and smoked salmon for starters in the evening and then they had so much fish for the main course, which included one of their national dishes, scabbard and bananas. It’s a bit bony!

Thought for the Day – “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” ~ Mark Black

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We arrived at the hotel way before checking in time but they told us we could go straight to our room and lunch was served from midday.

We have a lovely room, quite huge and a balcony and sea view. Lots of fish choices for lunch, so I was happy. Of course we had to sample Madeira wine. I chose medium dry and it was still very sweet! We went for a walk in the afternoon and sat on our balcony for quite a time watching the boats going by and playing cards. The hotel seems one endless round of food and drink which of course Mal loves. Meals are eaten out on the terrace overlooking the sea. We did go to the sister hotel in the evening which is much quieter, in fact we couldn’t even see that the bar was open. Back to our hotel and they had a band on.

In spite of high temperatures in the UK, it was about 20 here and overcast. We didn’t come for the sun, we had more than enough of that in Cyprus!  We just came for a complete ‘unwind’. The pool water was quite cold and of course the sea is the Atlantic.

A combination of little sleep the previous night, sangria, madeira wine and g&t’s, we slept very well! A lovely relaxing day.

Thought for the Day – “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

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Early afternoon we walked with Ellie to the town to see all the shows and exhibits that were on for the 40’s.
It’s so nice to be able to go this year without having to battle for a parking space!

Back home and then we heard from Tris, he was coming down to Margate and so wanted to come to Sandwich to see us. So, we took Ellie again and had a second viewing round the show. We then went to The Crispin Inn and had some of their delicious food. BUT Pam, the owner brought Ellie some water and three dog biscuits and then every time the barman went past he gave her more biscuits. Was she spoiled! I think Ellie likes the Crispin as much as we do. Their goat curry is very good. Violet settled for the fish and chips. She amused herself trying on all the glasses on the wall.

Thought for the Day – “Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile and start again.”

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Ellie and I were out early and we went the other way down the river to do some more exploring . We went through Gallows field and another part of the river. Felons were hanged in Gallows Field and the witches were drowned.

Later we drove into Canterbury to use our Groupon voucher at Gurkha Dine. I have to say the food was excellent. Mal’s main course of lamb, he said it was the best lamb he has tasted for years. Of course I had fish for starter and main. I am sure we would go again but it is a pain to get to as it is in Wincheap where the traffic is always heavy and they don’t have a car park. We were the only ones in there, the whole of the lunchtime.

At the end of the meal the waiter brought us a tiny dish and placed them in front of each of us. We thought it was a mint imperial until he poured boiling water on it. It grew and turned into hot towels! We have never had them presented in that way before.

Later in the afternoon of course Mal went to the allotment. Ellie and I sat in the garden.

Thought for the Day – “Take life day by day and be grateful for the little things. Don’t get caught up in what you can’t control. Focus on the positive.”

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I went to have my hair done. I tried a new hairdresser via Groupon as the last time I had my hair done was the day before the funeral and it wasn’t good. To be honest I was frightened of having it done again. So, I had the Groupon deal, £28 for £100 worth of hair do! I had highlights, cut and a deep conditioner. I knew this one was safe as Dan, the one I chose, is an NVQ assessor and trainer. He was good. They laugh at me at Demelza as I tell them I rarely pay full price for anything. Why when you can get so much discounted? Tomorrow our lunch is another Groupon deal.

I bought a couple of plants on the way home and then potted them. We’ll see how quickly they grow. This jasmine would have been very quick in Cyprus. As long as it is scented. I have also sent away for a large Star Jasmine that I can put in the garden.

Thought for the Day – “Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.”

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I took Ellie out early again as rain was forecast for 9am. We went for another long walk along the river. 

Mal and I then went into Deal. It is only 6 miles away and we had to go to Halifax to update the address on our Clarity card. It is the card we always use  when we are abroad as they don’t charge (we pay it off immediately).  I did try to  do it in the Canterbury branch in my lunch hour on Monday. I was in there 20 minutes and they couldn’t find my account! In the end I asked to see someone who knew what they were doing. A gentleman came to see me and tried to find the account. Magic………I was not the lead card holder (a joint account) which means Mal has to change it!! So, we changed it in Deal today. They don’t make things easy.

We did a bit of shopping and then went into  the local ‘spoons’. the Sir Norman Wisdom. They have changed their coffee deal slightly, you can still have never ending coffee and it is all day not just the morning and is now £1.25. By this time it had started raining so it was most welcome.  

Thought for the Day – “Don’t let the world change your smile, let your smile change the world.”