Day 19: Madeira

Funchal was awashed in bright sunshine as we left the hostel. When continental Europe was rooted deep in a cold snap, it was fantastically warm in Madeira. In fact, temperatures rose to 23 degrees Celsius!

A typical narrow road in Funchal

Funchal might be small but you can't dismiss it as boring. It seems like the Portuguese have taken an immense liking for shopping so shopping malls and small arcades are everywhere. Streets are lined with various shops, offering the locals and tourists alike with numerous choices.

At the outskirts, small narrow streets offer an insight as to how the locals live. Funchal is built on slopes, against a backdrop of mountains. Coupled with the warm weather, it had been months since we sweated in Europe while trekking up the slopes.

The sight was rewarding when we reached a lookout point.

Funchal from a high point

It was time for lunch by the time we trodded back to the city. Since Asians are almost non-existent on the island, we were suprised to find a Chinese restaurant. Checking the menu unveiled an even more atonishing revelation: they sell Singapore Fried Rice.

What the hell is that? You don't even get it in Singapore. They have Singapore Fried Noodles on the menu too. And that's not even available in Singapore. =.=

Somebody please prove me wrong.

The waiters were Chinese. So that pushed the number of Asians we had met so far to a respectable 5. They were quite suprised to see Asians patronising their restaurant.

Singapore Fried Rice... doesn't look and smell Singlish to me.

Being patriotic (*ah bish*), I ordered Singapore Fried Rice. But hey, a Singaporean eating Singapore Fried Rice. Cannot meh?

It was a lazy and relaxed day as we soaked in the sun. Another lookout point offered us a great view of the harbour. Unfortunately, it was quite polluted and oil slicks were evident as they lined the shore. Nevertheless, most of the waters around Madeira are clear and pristine.

The harbour

We picked up the car from Hertz at 7pm and set off without delay. Since this was my first time driving on the left side of the road, I was extremely cautious.

The good thing is that, the right foot will depress the gas pedal while the brake is still for the left foot. Other than that, everything is reversed.

First, the seat belts. I reached the seat belt on my right shoulder due to my conditioned instinct. Wrong. I reached to my left shoulder immediately.

Since the car was parallel-parked, I had to check my side mirror on my left in order to check for clear traffic. When I tried to flick the switch to the signal, the wipers moved instead. =.=

Keeping in mind to keep to the left side of the road, soon, in a few minutes' time, I got the hang of it. Piece of cake.

Time for 游车河. We drove to the residential areas, hoping to catch a glimpse of the night scene.

The locals are notoriously bad drivers. They drive fast, furious and dangerously. If you think SIngaporeans are bad drivers, man, you don't know what bad drivers are until you come here. Buses can tackle a mountainous corner at 70kmh in the middle of the night. That's freaking fast!

However, if you are lost in Madeira, the locals are more than happy to help you. Wind down the window and approach any for help. Chances are, you'll be promptly assisted with a smile.

There was this time I made a wrong turn into a one-way street. I only realised it when an oncoming vehicle drove in my direction. Another car behind me had also mistakingly followed our car. Since all 3 vehicles were stuck in a narrow street, some locals stepped forward and helped to direct traffic. Singaporeans will probably stand there and watch, hoping a pandemonium will unfold.

Oh yes, every now and then, I'll always turn on the wipers when I actually wanted to signal my intention to turn.