Ilhas Desertas, Energy con tricks, Probels in Caniçal, New Sá stores, Euro 2008 etc.
TODAY’S PHOTO : Thanks to Tobi … who kindly invited me to raid his Facebook account for photographs, which I have done! There are some fantastic photos on there, but I don’t know if you need to have a Facebook account and know Tobi to access them, but I am sure he will respond to this. This photo is of the Ilhas Desertas.
Anyone ever been to the Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands) as pictured above? I have heard of boat trips out there, and I would love to go and take a peek, as it’s full of rare species of various types. But it may be that you need a visitors permit. Please let me know if you have any information, or also fancy going, as maybe a boat could be chartered if there are others interested.
Source : Diário de Notícias 27/5/2008
I suppose we shouldn’t really be surprised that in these days of rising energy bills and petrol / diesel, that someone somewhere is trying to fleece us of a few bucks with bogus energy saving ideas, even here on Madeira! How about a device you plug into your wall socket which will save energy on any connected appliances, or an adaptor that will allow your car engine to run on water? The Diários only money saving advice is to use the car less and switch off lights and electrical devices at home … well, thanks Diário, I would never have thought of those simple steps to save money without your help!
Unusually high numbers of sicknesses and deaths are being reported in the town of Caniçal, due to cancer, cirrhosis, suicide and problems associated with senility. It is thought that this may be happening because of pollution in the ‘Zona Franca’ (an industrial area, eastish of the town). Studies are underway, but particularly notable is the number of cancer deaths in people aged between 30 and 50, and youngsters of 20+ victims of neoplasias*. Historical records show that the normal death rate per annum is around the 20 mark, but more recently that has risen to 30, with 15 already this year.
* A neoplasm is an abnormal mass of tissue, the growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated with that of the normal tissues, and persists in the same excessive manner after cessation of the stimulus which evoked the change.
Staying with Caniçal and it’s bad luck, 4 boats were sunk in the port on Monday morning when a shipping container was being unloaded and fell. Luckily the boats were empty at the time (no … I am not going there!).
Maybe some good news for our friends in the north of Madeira, is that Hiper Sá is intending to build a supermarket there, although the plans are not yet complete and approved. If all goes to plan a medium size store will be built, and will create 100 jobs (directly and indirectly). If approved, the store will be built in São Vicente, with the objective of serving Porto Moniz also.
Meanwhile, the good people of Santana, who until now had to go to Machico or Funchal for their shopping, will have their new Hiper Sá supermarket open in July, albeit 4 months late. Surprising that there are no plans (that I am aware of) to put some new stores and competition at the west end of the Island. With just one Pingo Doce west of Ribeira Brava, you would think that there would be some incentive?
And then the Diário website went down …
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Having not mentioned football for a while, don’t forget that the Euro 2008 starts on Saturday week (7th). Portugal play Turkey on the opening day (8.45) in Basle, so a few sparks expected there. With the next matches on the 11th (Czech Republic), and 15th (co-hosts Switzerland). I am glad that regardless of results, Portugal will not have to play at the stadium in Berne, as I think I would crack up every time they mention the stadium name.
Speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Manchester United and going to Real Madrid this summer are rife, and fuelled by an article in a Venezuelan newspaper after an interview with a source very close to the men at the top in Spain. Talk is of a transfer offer of €120 million. It’s what Ronaldo wants, it’s what Madeira wants, it’s what Chelsea wants, and it’s what Manchester United’s owners and financial backers want … let the man go to a decent team!
Aside from your valued blog responses (you can reply direct using the form at the bottom of each blog page), please send any unreported Madeira news, photos, events information, or snippets for the madeira4u blog to blog@madeira4u.com – thank you!
Hi Der.
1Jan and I are interested in a trip to the Ilhas Desertas…..
I hope Tobi,s mail wasn,t in that container that went in the drink…..
And Man U are a decent team!
Cheers Alan
OK they won the champions league Alan, and the English Premiership, and that does count for something. But without masses of money and referee assistance where would they be? Real Madrid on the other hand have masses of money, but do they have the same extent of referee assistance … it's a fine line to draw I know. Our Chelsea fan blog reader might be able to offer further impartial insight on the matter? Porto however won the Champions League without masses of money (but as it turns out one cannot rule out referee assistance), so in my book that's a decent team.
2–Der
Hi Der, i would love to go to the desertas as well, i know the price is €80.00, and its a whole day 9.30 – 6pm
min of 6 people, lunch included, and a short walk on desertas grande, This is where i got the info http://www.madeirabirds.com/desertas
Maybe a ders blog day out to the Desertas is on the cards. there are other boat trips there so can look into it a bit more.
as for my facebook, if anyone who reads ders blog and has a facebook account, then please add me , just search for Tobi Hughes, there is only one of me i think….
not sure how you look without an account , will let you know soon.
–Tobi
3Sorry to disappoint, but there are several of you on Facebook Tobi! Already have 6+ (minimum load)for the boat, but I'm sure we can negotiate a good deal if we get more interest.
4–Der
HI der
5Sorry To rush this trip but we go to UK on Friday 13th June, two weeks and a bit.
Cheers Alan
Went into the Pingo Doce in the Anadia shopping centre but could not see where they spent 4 million euros. They have better lighting and displays. The restaurant is alot bigger and sell hot food by the kg. They also have a take away salad counter but not much of a choice. Have not eaten there yet but I expect I will try it out sometime.
Jo
6I agree with Alan Man Utd are a decent team.I hope Ronaldo stays. Even if you have masses of money it does not mean you will win anything.
Tom
7Hi Der & Alan, my post is a very sore subject, my Nan sent me back a book, (yes the one your waiting for Der) and that to has gone missing, so thats a Bcard from my Aunt , 2 parcels from my Mum, and a book from my Nan, now some little shit is nicking these somewhere, and its impossible to find out where , or where they might have gone missing, mum has to spend another £4.20 to send them airshore , so they can be tracked online, i have been on the phone to the post office in the Uk, and been up to my local office, but no help , so thats it they gone , and nothing can be done about it , so another world service you cant rely on……
8–Tobi
Hi Der & Alan, my post is a very sore subject, my Nan sent me back a book, (yes the one your waiting for Der) and that to has gone missing, so thats a Bcard from my Aunt , 2 parcels from my Mum, and a book from my Nan, now some little shit is nicking these somewhere, and its impossible to find out where , or where they might have gone missing, mum has to spend another £4.20 to send them airshore , so they can be tracked online, i have been on the phone to the post office in the Uk, and been up to my local office, but no help , so thats it they gone , and nothing can be done about it , so another world service you cant rely on……
9–Tobi
Hi Tobi
10I just received my new Mac blue tooth keyboard from the US, it only took 5 days!!! Sorry mate don,t mean to rub salt in,
Having said that I am getting very jittery about $400 worth of kit but that is insured and tracked. It is the size of a book, landed in Portugal two weeks ago and only got to customs today? I don,t even know if it,s in Madeira
Cheers Alan
In case anyone is not aware, you can track online anything sent with a barcode or tracking number to or from Madeira on http://www.ctt.pt (you can change to English). It's pretty good actually, and the CTT staff will help at the post office with missing items, once the website shows the item is on Madeira.
11–Der
Like other contributors, I have several pieces of post missing from UK, there must be a hell of a black hole somewhere, and the response from the Royal Mail is abismal to say the least. We use Viop stunt for free calls to land lines in the UK and have done for over a year now, very good. You can visit the Desertas on Turkish Gullet 'Bonita' full day trip with lunch, they are one of the few who have permission to land near to the islands. The Bonita is an excellant boat and crew very good.Moored in Caniçal but do pick up in Funchal, Office near Moby Dick restaurant in Lido area.
12–Josie
Come to think of it I have had no post for a week!
I couldn't find a website for that boat Josie, do you have one? Thanks
13–Der