For the first time in the history three swimmers will try to swim a 25 km passage between Madeira and the islands of Desertas. It will be the longest passage in open waters ever done in Portugal … seven hours of swim … distance of 13 nautical miles … called “Desafio no Atlântico” (Challenge in the Atlantic).

The three “brave” swimmers doing the attempt are Duarte Mendonça (Madeira), Nuno Vicente and Miguel Arrobas (both from Portugal).

The first attempt last Saturday did not take place due to the bad weather conditions above the sea. That is why the next swim attempt will take place today 28th of August.

We wish them good luck and success.

Light Guard (Joerg) from Freiburg, Germany has just published more then 360 Madeira photos on his Flickr album. Now there are a lot of other Madeira albums … but that of Light Guard is a must to see.

Go to the Slideshow (Macromedia Flash Player required) or
Go to his 2006 Madeira photo set.

ON: Porto Bay’s initiative to revive Funchal’s “Old Town”

The old section of Funchal, its revitalization and energizing, has motivated the Porto Bay group. This is where ON begins, a project of cultural and social intervention that brings together activities of “fusion art” and artistic demonstrations which will take place on the following 1st, 2nd and 3rd of September. The name ON results from joining “Old” and “New”, meaning to set in motion, turn on, energize…

ON presents organized activities in the main streets of the Old Section. There will be live art outdoors in the painting areas, portraits, cartoons and sculpture in which nearly a dozen national and regional artists will be participating. Different exhibiting areas also allow for the display of works of art and photography. Craftwork displays, child painting workshops, design facilities, a multimedia room, floral arrangements and face painting are just a few other activities taking place. As for street entertainment, ON promises a diversity of music and the participation of various artists.

Profits go to APPC and Centro de Acolhimento de Santiago (Santiago Shelter)

ON’s main goal is to contribute to social solidarity activities. On September 3rd an auction dinner will be held and the profits from exhibition sales and other activities will be handed over to two associations – the Portuguese Cerebral Palsy Association of Madeira (APPCM) and the Santiago Shelter.

Reid´s Palace Hotel …. the oldest hotel on the island of Madeira … and also very colonial, … there you can have afternoon tea sitting on the Tea Terrace overlooking Funchal Bay … while smart waiters in white dinner jackets lay out starched white linen table cloths and served tea in an atmosphere of quiet conversation and live piano music. It is a great experience.

For those who want to enjoy an afternoon tea at the (famous) Reid´s Palace … here is a list plus description of the varieties of tea … to help you make a choice.

Earl Grey: If you enjoy the floral notes of Bergamot, this tea will become your favourite! This exceptional combination of Darjeeling, Assam, Chinese, and Sri Lankan teas, sprayed with the pure oil of Bergamot has been satisfying our customers for generations. Low in tannin.

Darjeeling: A full orange pekoe long leaf tea from India; with a full, mellow taste.

Ceylon: Sri Lanka. This is probably closest to what most Westerners think of when they think of tea: reddish-brown liquor, brisk, full flavour. Low in tannin.

English Breakfast: A very copious and rich broken tea mixture blended in fine English tradition.

Reid’s Blend: Reid´s own. A light, but satisfying cup of tea at any time of the day.

Lapsang Souchong: Chinese tea, lightly smoked using pine needles, which produce a striking smoky odour and flavour.

Green Tea: Chinese tea, that is picked and then quickly dried, pan-fried, steamed or fired in an oven. The goodness of the leaf is sealed inside. Given the high levels of polyphenols, it is believed to have the greatest amount of health benefits.

Bancha: Japanese late-harvested green tea – unfermented – became more and more popular in Western societies. Without caffeine.

Tropix: Tea with tropical fruit and fruit essence.

Infusions: Made from lime-blossom, verbena, jasmine, peppermint, camomile. Should be steeped at least 8 minutes – after that time infusion gains its unique taste and aroma.

Further more you will also get a selection of finger sandwiches, fresh baked scones, home-made pastries … an all of that for 23 Euros per person. The High Tea is served from 15h00 to 17h30 in the Reids Lounge and on the Tea Terrace.

You must make reservations at the hotel … call (+351) 291 717171

Another advice …. dress smart casual to the tea time and do not try to get in with shorts on or flip-flops, … otherwise you will feel out of place.

Location: Reid’s Palace Hotel, Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal (Madeira)

There are many traveling options to choose from for people who love to travel. You can book flights to your planned vacation resort. You could also opt to travel by train to make it a lasting experience with family and loved ones. Many airlines offer flights that include vacation packages, discounts and other travel deals on certain destinations. For example, the las vegas airline provide discounted airfares, travel and stay deals if you avail the travel las vegas resorts package on las vegas airlines. Booking flights online provide the opportunity to get a cheap airline ticket thus online booking is gaining popularity every day. Apart from train and flights there is the traveling option of cruises which also offer heavy discount packages and fare deals. Plus once can explore the vacation resort via cruise which is not possible in case you travel by train or by plane. You could hunt for the most economical cruise deals by exploring websites like carnival cruise reviews that provide comparative information on various cruise carnivals.

Click on the following link for a collection of Madeira’s best pictures (the link will be available for the next 30 days)

Best Pictures

For those who thought that Porto Santo is a dull and deserted island …. Well think again! The island of Porto Santo is hosting a musical event dedicated to lovers of electronic music, from 10 to 12 August …. Porto Santo @ Paradise

The line-up for this event includes famous international DJs such as Luca Ricci and Trentemoller, and more. Tickets for the event cost 5 euros per day, or 12 euros for the three days.

For those that have tickets for the festival there will be free transportation (busses) from/to Funchal at the building of Electricity Company (Casa da Electricidade).

Departures from Funchal: 17h00, 17h30, 19h00, 19h30, 21h00, 21h30, 23h00 and 23h30.
Departures from São Vicente: Starting from 1h00 in the morning.

Form more information about the festival please check my previous blog article Jamiroquai and Juanes

I do hate the word ‘Under Construction‘ … but in this case it is different …

To everybody that is planning to do a Levada walk these following months, please be advised that the following main Levada passages will be closed for the pedestrians, due to labour to improve the safety and increasing the benefit of leisurely walk.

Pico do Gato - Pico Ruivo - Achada do Teixeira – each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the entire period starting 24th of July 2006 until the end of December 2006.

Queimadas - Caldeiṛo Verde Рeach Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the entire period starting 24th of July 2006 until the end of October 2006

Boca da Corrida - Encumeada - each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the entire period starting 24th of July 2006 until the end of February 2007

The following walk routes are likely to be affected by these temporary closures:

Pico do Gato – Pico Ruivo – Achada do Teixeira;
Ribeiro Frio – Lamaceiros – Portela;
Queimadas РCaldeiṛoVerde;
Achada do Teixeira – Ilha;
Boca da Corrida – Encumeada;
Pico Ruivo – Encumeada;
Quebradas – Ribeiro Frio (Levada do Rei)

Please verify with your tour operator or hotel if any doubts.