Exotic tropic Market Day

A photo-safari to the bustling, cheerful Farmer's Market, and back with a big bag of tropical Madeira frukt. Big flowering trees bloom in the middle of the fruit, flower and veggie market. The colors would make a parrot look pale. There are also baskets and bags stacked to the roof, some souvenirs, a section with chickens, another huge room with all sorts of fish and seafood on ice. We had a taste of various mysterious banana, mango, passionfruit, in completely different wrappings and tastes.

Later on our way to Blandy´s Madeira Wine Cellar who or what should we meet but a mandolin band in full renaissance regalia. With the exception of two, three members in green operation-room cap and jumpsuits, not enough time to change?! Singing enthusiastically, drum booming, they meander messily along. This is not a marching band. We seem to be headed the same way, to Blandy´s. A little glass of Madeira for the whole mandolin orchestra and then another catchy renaissance tune.

We didn't do the Madeira Wine Tour today. We have a dinner date at seven with the "Snorre" crew. In the old town in R. de Sta. Maria, at Gaviao Novo. The staff are full of practical jokes and a few funny Swedish phrases. We are a table of six Norwegians, four of them from Trøndelag and the mood is light, lots of laughs. The food is good, everyone agrees. Ørnulf and I eat fish, scabbard (or espada) with banana. It is good.

Back at "Babette" we have the "Snorre" crew over for tropical fruit salad from the market and a glass of Madeira from Blandy's. On deck lanterns and candles are lit, the huge "Bird-of -Paradise lilies are a grand centerpiece. "Babette" rock gently in the Funchal harbour. The "Snorre" crew, with lots of sailing experience, have many a tale to tell!