Day 06 - Fri - 11/07/2025 - Funchal - Day 2

 It was really nice to be in port overnight in Funchal.  All of our previous visits here have been one day visits on our way across the pond to the USA.  And several times, weather conditions have prevented us from docking here. After a late breakfast, we gathered up our things and headed off the ship to find the Embroidery Museum that we had heard so much about.  


We took a shortcut at the land end of the pier to reach the promenade along the marina. It was a warm day and we enjoyed the return visit and stroll along the nicely kept waterfront.  We turned up the street that the museum was located on and found the building.  But we couldn't find any sign of the museum.  At the upper end of the building was a sculpture honoring the embroidery ladies and another mural on the side of the building.  When we went in the building there was a desk with brochures about the museum but no signage.  Shortly, a lady came out and asked it we had any questions. We told here we were looking for the museum and she indicated that the museum had been closed for a number of years.  The building was now occupied by a grape growers association.  We thanked her and headed back on out of the building.

Fish made from ocean debris

Monument to embroidery ladies


Headed back down the street there was an embroidery shop.  It had all kinds of embroidery for sale at very high prices.  It was interesting to look at, but we didn't purchase any.  Nearby there was a large mall with a food court, but we didn't stop for food.  However, downstairs was a large supermarket.  It was extremely crowded for a weekday and middle of the day.  We found some chocolate to purchase and waited in line about 20 minutes to complete our transaction.  


The main shopping street was a few hundred feet away and we headed up it.  Near the corner was a lady sitting on a stool and embroidering.  Signage above here indicated that there were tours available, but we didn't pursue it.  In the middle of the shopping district we found a little cafe and split a sandwich (which turned out to have very dry bread) and our normal Coke Zeros.  To counteract the dryness, there was a nearby street vendor selling roasted chestnuts so I purchased a dozen for 3E.  They are very tasty with a sweetness to them.  We strolled on through the downtown area and back down to the sea front promenade.  We sat for a while enjoying the sights and sounds and warmth of the day.  The city's metal Christmas tree was being assembled and the top section was being hoisted up and fastened to the bottom section.  I purchased some more chestnuts and we sat and ate those.  An Austrian couple came by and asked us if they were salty, and we replied no and offered her one.  She initially declined, but later accepted one.  We had a good chat and they were soon on their way.  


We strolled back to the ship skipping McDonald's (big surprise there!).  We were back on board the ship by 3pm and the onboard time was 4:30pm. It was fun to watch the sail away and soon we were out to sea for the relatively short voyage to our next destination of La Palma.  We enjoyed our customary dinner in the World Marketplace (LIDO) before going to the evening entertainment in the Princess Theater.  The entertainers were the Chernov Brothers, a Ukrainian Duo of very buff gymnasts.  They performed a dance circus type show with what looked to be very difficult acrobatic positions.    


There was a comedian (Abi Carter-Simpson) in the Vista Lounge, but we didn't find here especially funny. I then returned to the stateroom to work on my blog and catch up on YT.  Angela had late karaoke so I didn't see her until after midnight.  


Tomorrow will be our first port in the Canary Islands which we are really looking forward to visiting.

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