Brilliant though weren't they? Best in the world now, used to be Sydney/Dubai/NY but we're the kings at it.
Never said it before cos we hate London but they were amazing.. cost a bomb but good advertising for once.
Just a shame that London has become such a cesspit. 4 more stabbing deaths yesterday to end the year and start the new one. I reckon I would fancy going to watch the New year fireworks one year except for the fact I wouldn't feel very safe. Probably have to stick with the Madeira ones. Not as spectacular as Londons but pretty good nonetheless, plus a fun safe atmosphere, no ring of steel and a bit of warmth as well.
Are they round the harbour in Funchal? I was there a few years ago and Julio Iglesias was doing a concert there
Yeah, right on the harbour front. Plus there are loads in the hills behind as well so you're surrounded by them on all sides. The bay is lined full of cruise ships that all stop over for the display. Reckon the view from the ships must be awesome. Not been for 3 years as we've been doing the canaries instead for a few extra degrees on the thermometer (Tenerife on Friday ). But think I might fancy going back next year.* *edit - this year!
I love Madeira. Only been twice, for two weeks each time. The climate is fantastic and the whole island is a green wonder. Nearly came a cropper once walking the levada up towards Monte. Found ourselves walking on a wall about a foot wide with a scary drop to one side. Nervous twenty minutes or so, but somehow managed it
We've done quite a few of the levada walks, the ones labelled "easy" or "moderate". Went on one, same as you, where I didn't dare look at the scenary because I spent most of the time watching where my feet were. A few inches of path and a death drop. It makes me wonder who the hell fixes those flimsy rope barriers to the side of the mountain. Makes my knees wobble just thinking about it. Found a youtube from last nights fireworks. Made my mind up that we have to go back next time.
Thanks for that - quite a sight! The walk I am talking about started quite close to what was described as an "English tea rooms" - forget the name. It was about a 15 minute bus ride out of town then about ten minutes walk to this tea rooms which was a very nice start to the day. The walk started off quite well but I think we took a wrong turn at some point and ended up on the dangerous bit. More than once I thought "sod it, just get in the water and wade through it" but I decided to keep my feet dry but was petrified. My wife was almost a quivering wreck but, thankfully, we survived it. Thought about taking the wicker basket ride down from Monte but chickened out of that and got on the downward cable car instead. Must go back one day. It's a great place to visit provided you are not bothered about beaches.
My missus found my fear quite funny - she was fine but I have never been great with heights. I would hate to think what the walks labelled "difficult" are like if the one we did was moderate. Agree Madeira is beautiful. We've done it once in summer and 3 times at new year. Would recommend the christmas / new year visit to anyone, they make a real big deal of it. Bloody lovely.
A friend went to Madeira, I think he stayed at a hotel called Reid's Palace or something. It looked very grand and attractive on photos, presuming it's in or near Funchal? Certainly on the list of places I'd like to visit. Re London... wonderful fireworks last night. I love visiting London, it's magical at times, wonderful, fascinating but also potentially dangerous. I've seldom felt threatened around the central areas. Walking to Leyton Orient at night was a little daunting at times, whilst the area around Selhurst Park may not be walk in the park at night, but generally I've felt fine. I suppose when you get into certain neighbourhoods problems will arise.
You must have rich friends then. Yes, Reids palace is in Funchal - it is proper posh and VERY expensive!! I visit London a lot for work, you are right the central area is likely to be as safe as any other major tourist city. But it has a very nasty underbelly these days in the wrong areas. I wouldn't swap where I live in a nondescript small town in west yorkshire for the wrong parts of London.
I think it was very much a one off trip, a treat! I wouldn't want to live in London neither. Some areas appear lawless and little better than what you'd expect in rougher parts of American cities or even third world cities. Yes the infrastructure is better here and clearly day to day, probably safer, but some of the crimes you hear about are staggering. Love the central parts though, something for everyone.
