Grumpy in Madeira

Bom Dia,

Today we’re spending the day with the girls. We’re taking them to a place called Ilha das Alves which means Bird Island or Island of the Birds.

It is essentially a Zoo or Bird Park. It has several varieties of exotic birds and Macaws. They (like Maria) like to squark loudly.

It’s not a large park. It’s set out cleverly with twisting paths and many ponds with walkways over, making it feel bigger.

There are lots of ponds with small waterfalls. There must be thousands of enormous Koi Carp.

They grow to such a large size because there are dispensers around the ponds. You can buy fish food for 1 euro and feed them. The girls loved it. Bella was trying (and managed) to hit the fish on the head with the food.

There are lots of birds, Parrots, Macaws, Pelicans and numerous others, big and small.

Personally I don’t like seeing them locked in cages. Don’t get me wrong they are lovely and they all seem healthy and well fed, it’s just my view.

They little yellow guy with his back to me, looks like he has his hands behind his back.

🤣

There is also a very good cafe, the food was delicious and quite cheap. They have a small kiddies park as well, with climbing frames, rocking seats and a slide.

As you head towards the exit, there is a larger Avery. The various birds can fly about there. There are also Turtles and a gift shop.

All in all it was a nice way to spend a few hours and only 17.50 euros, for 2 adults and Laura who’s 8, we didn’t pay for little Bella as she was 2.

Next stop is Ribeira Brava we’re going to cool off, it’s so hot.

We went to the Bathing Complex its a nice place. It is on the beachfront and there are changing rooms, sun loungers, toilets, a bar and restaurant. It’s also free.

It has a little kiddies pool and a bigger pool. It has access to the beach too. Although I prefer to not be on the beach. I don’t like the sand getting where it shouldn’t be.

It was a great day.

We dropped the girls off, they were shattered, falling asleep in the car.

We went home got showered and changed and yes!!!. you guessed it, we went to a Festa.

It was the Festa of Our Lady of Grace, the community’s patron Saint.

Now I am not religious in any way. However, I think it’s very important to show our support. We should attend these Festa’s to eat, drink, and be merry (very merry). Which I duly did.

There where the usual things, Bars, Restaurants, food and art’s and craft’s stalls. A stage for the live music and street entertainment.

There were Espetada stalls. You picked your meat and quantity. The meat was weighed and skewered onto Bay Tree sticks. Then it was seasoned. You cooked it yourself to your likeness. Lovely!!!!

We had something to eat and drink and drink and drink. It was a great night.

We were walking home, so we decided to stop off at our local Poncha bar down the street from home. Poncha Do Calvario for a nightcap.

The Poncha Pescador was delicious and a good ending to a great day. I can tell you we slept very well that night.