Our Tuesday in Funchal

#SantaCatarinaPark#Hallow#Funchal

Tuesday we headed to Old town, actually we were going to the Farmer's Market but we never made it there. 

It's a totally different travel experience when you are staying in a hotel versus renting an apartment/ cottage/ house ... self-catering is more difficult! 

We do have a mini-fridge in our room so we can chill some water and wine, keep some fruit and cheese but that is the extent of it. 

Our hotel offers a very good selection for breakfast from fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts,  yogurts, many different fresh baked breads and hot cooked items ... scrambled eggs, fried eggs, bacon, sausage, beans for the English, oven roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and various juices, champagne to make your morning mimosa. 

Which is great but nothing beats having your own kitchen in my opinion!

What an amazing "container" garden!

                 

Today's route took us down a different avenue ... lined with stately homes and unique shops/ boutiques.

 

"Hallow" an upholstery/ cross stitching shop with many unique items.

Check out what I call the "Mad Hatter" chairs.

Senhor thinks he can make this table, I would love it as a dining table.

Here's one of the unique pine trees ...

               

We came upon the President's residence which was guarded and located next to a beautiful park/ garden space, Santa Catarina Park.

We spent quite a bit of time strolling through the park, admiring the wonderful gardens with views over the waterfront and the activities of local school children who today appeared to be attending a special event similar to a cross country meet with the added activity of zip lining across the lake. 

Setting up the zip line ...

The school kids warmly greeted Senhor ...

The chapel built in 1425 of wood, in the 17th century reconstructed in stone.

Some of the lush plants in the park's gardens.

It was now close to noon when we found ourselves in a busy area with some jazz music being played ... time for some refreshments and relaxation.

By the end of our walk we had climbed up many steep roads, taken many steps and we did have a minor navigational glitch that was quickly rectified before we became totally lost.

We found our way back to our hotel after another busy day!