Arrived in Madeira

 It was quite a long day on three connecting flights. We had less than two hours between each connection but the connections all went smoothly. We did not have to exit the boarding lounge at any time. Consequently we didn't have to go through security with each change of flight. 

The covid restrictions and checks all went smoothly. On top of the vaccine certificate and a negative antigen test result, only a health declaration was required to enter the Azores.  To enter Madeira one had to open an internet account with Madeira Safe and upload both your vaccine certificate and the antigen test results. On arrival they pulled up the information, confirmed our identity and we were on our way. It was very well organized.

The "overnight" flight from Toronto to Ponta Delgada (Azores) was only 5 1/2 hours in length. On the Azores Airlines  (SATA) a hot meal was served just after takeoff. The flight was half empty so after we ate we were each able to take a 3 seat row and sleep for about 3 hours.  It would have been nice to have a pillow! 

After a short stop in Ponta Delgada we flew on a Dash 8 to Funchal, Madeira.  The landing in Funchal is interesting. One half of the runway and a taxiway are located on  a bridge over a gully. The main highway runs under this bridge.  Is it an unusual sight to see concrete walls down each side of the runway.

We had a glass of wine at sunset a this seafood restaurant

Pools like this are situated along the mostly rocky coastline

 

We have a nice 2 bedroom apartment in Sao Martinho, a suburb of Funchal. We are located about 4 k from the centre of Funchal.  There is great local bus service the comes by the apartment as well as a promenade along the water front that you can walk or bike. Grocery stores, cafes and restaurants are all close by.

Here are a few shots of our apartment.

The view from the balcony

The weather so far has been nice. It is 19C this morning with a few clouds. The forecast doesn't look so go though.  Rain is expected for the next few days. We'll see.  Regardless, it is very nice to be here.