Grumpy in Madeira

Bom Dia guy’s,

Firstly I have to apologize for not posting for a few days. I have been firstly ill and secondly very busy. Let me explain.

We went to yet another Festa on Sunday. It was at Camara de Lobos again.

This one was the Festa Gastronomica Peixe, Espada Preto or the Festival of the Black Scabbard Fish. It was a great day/night there were lots of people about with food stalls, restaurants, bars and entertainment.

We went quite early on to get parked up. We had a couple (or so) of drinks before dinner. Then we had a few more.

We had dinner quite late, of course it was Espada and delicious.

It was very busy, with people eating, wandering about, dancing to the music and watching the band. It was a great night.

Now I don’t know if it was because we’ve been going to a lot of Festa’s lately.

Maybe it was because I just made a pig of myself and had too much to drink. Maria has her opinion that she likes to mention every chance she gets.

However, the next day I was ill. I had to be in a dark, quiet room. I had lots to do but I physically couldn’t.

It must be an age thing. When I was younger (not that long ago), I didn’t suffer as much. I could get over a big night out relatively quickly.

Anyway I couldn’t function properly for two days. I think my drink must have been spiked. Or it was too much sun. Anyway I was out of action. I’m NEVER drinking again!!!!

🤪

The second reason for my late posting was the work that I had to do. While I was recuperating, the work waited for me and still had to be done.

I’m in the process of rejuvenating the balustrade on the terrace. It is an old concrete structure that has seen better days. It’s really nice and traditional. We wanted to keep it if possible.

The whole lot needed wire brushing. Cracks and chips filling in, then sanding down. I was at it for days. There were little grooves everywhere. I went through a few wire brushes and a set of hands. I got cuts and scrapes where I’d wack my fingers trying to get an awkward bit.

Eventually I started to paint.

I’m still at it!!!!

It’s starting to look better, I’m quite happy how it’s going.

After it’s finished I need to tackle the colourful tiles. The Portuguese do have a strange taste in coloured tiles. Sometimes you feel dizzy looking at them. You need sunglasses because they’re that bright.

I’ve taken too long doing this post. Maria is giving me THAT look. I should get back to it.

Tchau for now.