Stoppelmann
Member
- Location
- Germany
Our first impression of the main island of Madeira was that every square centimetre was built up, and, similar to our trip to Koh Samui, we were initially disappointed as we drove through the busy streets. Thick clouds hung in a dark sky behind the hills, and we feared the worst. But the worst didn't materialise, even though the clouds occasionally obscured the sun.
Once we arrived at the hotel and after 45 minutes of sleep, the world looked different again, and we explored the area around the hotel. The variety of plants, typical of these islands, was not yet lush but very impressive. The garden, laid out on several levels, was a boon. Yellow and red bougainvillaea, diversely coloured philodendrons, a multitude of palm trees, lobelia and countless unknown beauties adorned the path. There were also agaves and, crossing our path, countless geckos scurried through the thicket.
On the obligatory search for a supermarket to buy water, we passed a new building with large balconies and lush planting that incorporated glass components and walls made of solid stone blocks. The whole building had character and showed imagination. These impressions made up for the heavy traffic, and we returned to the hotel. We tried a supposedly traditional cocktail and devoured the peanuts hungrily, but it didn’t prevent a dizzy feeling.
At our first proper meal after 16 hours, we realised we had done the same as the many retired couples who made up most of the clientele by rushing to the restaurant before it opened. We were starving. A young couple with a small child in the restaurant was the absolute exception among the hotel guests, some of whom were very old. On the other hand, we thought about how, back home in Germany, it was usually older people who had plenty of time and still pushed their way to the front of the queue. We had seen some younger people at the pool and assumed they would come for dinner later.
My first night was restless as usual, but my wife had taken a sleeping pill, so she didn't notice that I woke up and had to get my bearings. In the dark, the light from the hotel balcony looked like the light from the living room in our bedroom at home. I was awake, and it took me a while to get back to sleep, but eventually, we had a good night's rest. We could see a path leading along the coast from our balcony, and our morning walk was already secured. We just had to wait for the tour guide, who gave us the usual information about our stay, which we always attended because it often contained insider tips.
At the breakfast buffet, I was interestingly approached by German tourists at the coffee machine in English, which I put down to my clothing, consisting of a denim shirt and trousers. I replied in English, but the hesitation of my conversation partner led me to believe he was already at the end of his English skills. The next person, who was standing on my other side, filled the gap in the conversation with a suitable answer, and we laughed and parted company. The Restaurant was bustling with activity; this time, the age groups were mixed and various languages were spoken.
More to come as we investigate the island ….
I'd post my pictures, but I'm not sure how ... technology, not my thing ;-)
Once we arrived at the hotel and after 45 minutes of sleep, the world looked different again, and we explored the area around the hotel. The variety of plants, typical of these islands, was not yet lush but very impressive. The garden, laid out on several levels, was a boon. Yellow and red bougainvillaea, diversely coloured philodendrons, a multitude of palm trees, lobelia and countless unknown beauties adorned the path. There were also agaves and, crossing our path, countless geckos scurried through the thicket.
On the obligatory search for a supermarket to buy water, we passed a new building with large balconies and lush planting that incorporated glass components and walls made of solid stone blocks. The whole building had character and showed imagination. These impressions made up for the heavy traffic, and we returned to the hotel. We tried a supposedly traditional cocktail and devoured the peanuts hungrily, but it didn’t prevent a dizzy feeling.
At our first proper meal after 16 hours, we realised we had done the same as the many retired couples who made up most of the clientele by rushing to the restaurant before it opened. We were starving. A young couple with a small child in the restaurant was the absolute exception among the hotel guests, some of whom were very old. On the other hand, we thought about how, back home in Germany, it was usually older people who had plenty of time and still pushed their way to the front of the queue. We had seen some younger people at the pool and assumed they would come for dinner later.
My first night was restless as usual, but my wife had taken a sleeping pill, so she didn't notice that I woke up and had to get my bearings. In the dark, the light from the hotel balcony looked like the light from the living room in our bedroom at home. I was awake, and it took me a while to get back to sleep, but eventually, we had a good night's rest. We could see a path leading along the coast from our balcony, and our morning walk was already secured. We just had to wait for the tour guide, who gave us the usual information about our stay, which we always attended because it often contained insider tips.
At the breakfast buffet, I was interestingly approached by German tourists at the coffee machine in English, which I put down to my clothing, consisting of a denim shirt and trousers. I replied in English, but the hesitation of my conversation partner led me to believe he was already at the end of his English skills. The next person, who was standing on my other side, filled the gap in the conversation with a suitable answer, and we laughed and parted company. The Restaurant was bustling with activity; this time, the age groups were mixed and various languages were spoken.
More to come as we investigate the island ….
I'd post my pictures, but I'm not sure how ... technology, not my thing ;-)