TAP take-off ; Funchal new year fireworks ; PGA Golf date ; Now we are all fuelled up
Today’s photo – Many thanks to Martin
One of Martins more abstract contributions of a rather unhealthy looking breakfast.
"First visit was to see the Madeira wine Story in the Old Blandy Wine Lodge in the centre of Funchal. Their museum has many historical items [letters from Winston Churchill ] and artefacts on winemaking in Madeira. Wine is still made in the lodge and we followed the progress of the production of the wine with the added pleasure of wonderful smells coming from the maturing wine in the barrels". ANOTHER WINE BUFF’S STORY
A few great photos from the New Year 2010 firework display FUNCHAL FIREWORKS
And from Tobi from New Year night in Funchal … "My photos were rubbish and to much smoke, there are a couple that are passable" :
I really liked this video of a TAP flight taking off from Madeira Airport, especially the close up shots. Even watching it on a computer screen, I felt my right foot ‘pressing the accelerator’ as it sped off down the runway (am I the only person who does that when taking off, are there like minded ‘foot on the gas’ people?). But was the pilot playing Bingo?
"Arthur Pita presents his new dance-theatre creation God’s Garden, which will tour this month and next (from Jan 23, Jerwood Dance House, Ipswich). The volcanic paradise of Madeira provides the setting for a piece based on the parable of the Prodigal Son, here imagined as the golden boy of the Costa family. The piece boasts live fado music". From the UK TIMES Newspaper, a chance to see Madeira without getting on a plane perhaps.
Tobi found this one … "this is a good vid of the fireworks, its filmed from high up , and you can really see the shape of the fireworks a lot better". Thanks Tobi.
GOLF : One for the diary : Europe.- Men, PGA European Tour – Madeira Islands Open BPI-Portugal (Porto Santo). 15-18 April : tbc
Many thanks to Elaine once again for yesterday’s top new year news stories :
Postman attacked with pepper spray. The attack occurred in São João in Funchal. He was distributing mail when approached by a group of individuals who asked him for money. After a negative reply, they threw an orange liquid at his eyes which temporarily blinded him. The bombeiros gave first aid then transported him to hospital. The PSP were informed and are investigating. Pepper spray is illegal for civilian use. It irritates the mucous membranes and the effects can last from 30 minutes to nearly two hours.
PSP agent prevents a suicide in the old zone of Funchal. On December 20, the speed and ‘cold blood’ of a policeman prevented a tragedy. Near the cable car, around 13.00, a 34 year old man was leaning over the sea wall and screaming that he was about to kill himself. He said he would throw himself into the sea if anyone approached him. As there was not enough time to wait for the trained negotiator, the PSP agent approached the man, undetected, grabbed him and pulled him to the ground. The man was eventually taken to hospital. The 33 year old officer has been in the force for 11 years and said, "It was the first time I came across a situation like this, I knew I had to act quickly and fortunately it ended in the best way."
Transfer of fuel. The tanker ‘Madeiro’ arrived on Christmas Day and has been unable to unload due to bad weather. Now with a break in the stormy weather, the island’s power supply is guaranteed with the stocks re-inforced. The ‘Madeiro’ has discharged part of the 18,000 tons of fuel in its tanks, which are vital for the supply of major power companies and other industries, and should finish unloading today. On Sunday, the tanker is expected to visit Porto Santo but the forecast is for 4 – 6 metre waves, which might prevent unloading. The Porto Santo ferry is not scheduled to sail today, but the passengers who came to Madeira for the New Year should be able to return tomorrow.
PND want Toco in the rubbish bin. The damage caused in the recent days by the bad weather justifies the suspension of the project for Toco in Funchal, according to the PND. The recent storm damage to the swimming pool complex at Barreira necessitates the Government to readjust its coastal policy. As well as the lack of money, the fact that other promenades and the Barreirinha swimming complex were badly damaged, means that the project for Toco should go into the dustbin.
Day of the City of Santana without anyone from the Government present. There will be no members of the Regional Government present at today’s official celebrations of the Day of the City of Santana. Rui Moses explained that invitations were sent out later than expected. Also, the date is not very convenient and needs to be changed. Santana was elevated to city status in 2001.
Left Bloc proposal for the centennial of the Republic. On 5 October 2010, Portugal will have been a Republic for 100 years. As well as national celebrations, the Left Bloc wants regional events. A draft decree for a regional commission to be set up, will be delivered to the Legislative Assembly for discussion in January. It is justified as the region is part of the Republic and both Madeira and Porto Santo should be proud of this fact. The autonomous regions were created by the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic and this fact should be highlighted throughout the year. The regional committee should report back in April for celebrations to be held in the second half of the year. There should be events honouring the spirit of the Portuguese although President Jardim no longer harbours strong feelings for the Portuguese.
OCM aims for new record. The Classical Orchestra of Madeira want to record a new album in 2010, having launched last November a compilation of five discs dedicated to Mozart. The conductor Rui Massena wants to release a more commercial disc. It could be fusion or film music or Vienna Waltzes. The Orchestra is still without a residential base. They will depend on negotiations with Pestana about continuing the use of the Casino before they can plan beyond March. The island requires a new hall with acoustics suited to concerts.
Eurico Martins wants more regional interest in the Bandolins. Eurico Martins is the director of the Recreio Musical União da Mocidade, (Bandolins of Madeira), a group made up of nine youngsters from São Roque. The director wants to hold more public concerts in 2010. They aim for a tour of the UK this year, including Bristol where they have had a good reception in the past. Performances will be held weekly at 21.00 on Fridays at the English Church in Funchal. There is a performance tomorrow at 21.00 at this location.
Free performances of Cantar os Reis. 6 January is the Dia de Reis, and to celebrate it in Madeira and Porto Santo are the performances ‘Cantar os Reis’. At the auditorium in the Municipal Garden in Funchal, the Associacoa Cultural Encontros da Eira will host a free show at 21.30 on Tuesday 5th January. In Machico, the performance will be on Saturday 2 January at 20.30 in the Largo da Praça. At Porto Santo, the show will start at 21.30 on the 5th January, in the Largo das Palmeiras. All shows are free.
Thousands of Euros in gold stolen. Thieves burgled a jewellers shop in Rua do Bom Jesus in Funchal on the night of 25 – 26 December at around 1.30 am. They stole 60 gold necklaces, some worth 1,500 Euros, despite triggering the alarm. They disappeared before the police arrived.
Elaine also found these articles in the New Year’s Day edition of the Jornal da Madeira. Many thanks.
Cuisine combines with the New Year’s Eve party. New Year’s Eve in Madeira, or reveillon, as many prefer to call it with the use of foreign words, typical of a tourist region par excellence, is an event appreciated by Madeirans. Inevitably, as the festa was celebrated at the table with plenty, New Year’s Eve is another reason to gather family and friends. But those who have neither home or family living in the district of Funchal, overlooking the amphitheatre, continue to celebrate New Year’s Eve by carrying food and drink to the chosen location to see the fireworks display. There is not an exact menu for New Year’s Eve, however being a special night and traditionally cold, one cannot miss the delicacies to "warm" the body and soul.
At the table there are many liqueurs with various aromas and flavours, new wine and our traditional Madeira Wine. In small dishes are served the "teeth" (dentinhos), normally pickled vegetables, stewed beans, pig’s feet, stewed offal of chicken, and meat in wine and garlic. In terms of sweets, home made bolo de mel, cheese, and broas de mel. Under the influence of large areas of food distribution, the "bolo rei" is also present.
At the time of celebrating New Year’s Eve, superstitions come to the fore. A piece of new underwear, money in the pocket, raisins and champagne are among others. The famous 12 raisins represent the 12 months of the year. It is believed that if you make a wish with every piece of dried fruit you eat, they will become a reality. After the euphoria of New Year’s Eve and fireworks, it is an ideal time to enjoy reinvigorating chicken soup, served hot and according to tradition, accompanied by chicken sandwiches. All around the region, New Year’s Eve supper is not much different, although in some counties a festive tradition leads many families to taste other delicacies.
In Porto Moniz, the Festa is seized by many families for the traditional "Carne Santa", a mixture of beef and pork marinaded overnight, mainly consumed on Christmas Eve but also tasted during this festive season. Alongside this traditional dish, on the table in the north is "Semilhas Bêbedas", potatoes cooked in wine. Also in the north, "Carne da Noite" cooked with potatoes, pork products from the recent "funcao" made with dry wine, accompanied by vegetables. On the south coast, particularly in Machico, the emphasis is on tasting "Bucho de Porco Recheado". Traditionally served at Christmas, this delicacy is enjoyed at the table until the festivities of Santo Amaro. In Santa Cruz, the tradition is the "Carne Frescal" which is somewhat similar to meat in wine and garlic. With white wine, red wine, Madeira Wine, herbs and garlic, the meat is marinaded for three days then baked in a pan. In Funchal, the lead role is taken by two dishes; roast pork with potatoes or chestnuts and chicken in the pot, following the traditions that pass from generation to generation without major changes.
Funchal welcomed thousands in the farewell to 2009. Thousands and thousands of people descended into Funchal. With the help of good weather, the capital of Madeira "was alert" already with some movement, and the tourists were the largest "slice" of those who thronged the streets of Funchal. Our news team made a circuit of the city and found that, indeed, the "smell" of the new year was already in the air. We started by going to the Mercado dos Lavradores where flowers, typical or not of Madeira, were the most photographed and acquired. The flashes did not stop going off.
After a walk around the space which that night would be the scene of celebration, we went down Rua do Visconde de Anadia to the Praça da Autonomia. Of the six stalls located there, two were already open by 10 am, selling the bolo do caco and bread with chorizo. Ahead of us on the promenade by the sea, the seller of roasted chestnuts was doing business with the tourists from the three ships which were already docked in Funchal, "Queen Victoria", "Boudicca" and "Aida Luna". Three more ships would arrive later, the "Amadea", "Oriana" and "Saga Ruby". Next to the stall of chestnuts, company officials responsible for the fireworks display tended to the material already placed at the stations ready for the stroke of midnight. On the pier hundreds of people watched the bay from the capital of Madeira and some posed for photos.
We walked up the Avenida Zarco and travelled throughout the central area of Avenida Arriaga. There the movement was even greater. Many, many people visited the various Christmas projects that the Regional Government, through the Regional Secretariat of Tourism and Culture, conceived for that space. In front of the building of the Regional Government, in the bandstand put there, a band played "Adeste Fidelis". At the tables on the nearby terrace, as well as on the concrete benches scattered around the avenue, the avenue was crowded with people. "Fantastic" we heard a foreigner, probably British, say to her husband as she photographed the crib next to the Se.
On the return to JM, we passed along the streets João Tavira, Queimada de Cima e Baixo and the Largo do Chafariz. No time to enter the establishments, we launched a sneak peek inside some of the shops, noting that many had chosen to buy a new item of clothing for the entry into 2010. There are many superstitions, one of them for example, enter the new year wearing a piece of yellow clothing. The Rua dr. Fernão de Ornelas was also full of people. Increasingly, we heard the words "Bom Ano". Already at the end of the morning and near the closing hour of our edition, folklore groups roamed the main streets of Funchal leaving an increasingly festive atmosphere. As we guessed, a great New Year’s Eve, as always.
Today’s news headlines from the front page of the Diário de Notícias :
(The truth is I didn’t expect a newspaper today, so I will have to keep it short as I have other things planned).
Most of today’s front page is taken up with a magnificent photo of the night sky over Funchal, lit by an abundance of assorted colour fireworks : Luck with the weather helped fortunate firework display – The magnificent spectacle ‘Ilhas Afortunadas’ was the usual success and counted on the help of São Pedro. But the night saw several fires, an injury through a ‘bomb’ and some people in alcoholic comas. 19 thousand tons of fireworks and 97 thousand explosions guaranteed the success of the night of the new year, but the show had luck on it’s side through the weather which eased off for the night. Somehow I doubt if it was 19 thousand tons of fireworks, but the Diário seems to be littered with mistakes today, but hopefully not through alcoholic comas. Not many photos, but you can see some small but excellent ones HERE in the Diário.
Today’s main news headline : Heroin at the front of the fears – At least in this decade, it is the first time that heroine tops the list of various types of drugs seized on Madeira. This hard drug causes greater damage than cocaine and the others of the type.
Socialist against gay marriage – The parliamentarian Carlos Preira concedes on the union of people the same sex, but is against the PS from there on the idea of marriage.
Lara was born in Funchal in the first hours of 2010. The first baby of 2010 was born at 1.35 in the morning of 1st January, weighing 3 kilos and 700 grams. She is called Lara, and already has a three year old sibling. Mum even managed to watch the Funchal fireworks before the birth, albeit through the windows of the maternity unit.
And finally the sports / football headline : Public return timidly to the stadiums. More than half of the growth of spectators derives from the influx at the Stadium of Light [Benfica]. The overall crowds at the first 14 matches throughout Portugal saw a growth of spectators of 5.4% compared to the same period in the previous season. The 7 home games of Nacional have so far attracted just 14,680 spectators (9,275 – 2008), whilst Marítimo fared better as always with 27,651 paying fans but with a considerable fall (38,294 – 2008). There’s a chart with all the figures HERE, but again it has a few obvious mistakes.
If anyone else can oblige with the translation of any of the ‘blank’ or sparsely filled headlines, or other news stories, here is the link. All contributions much appreciated.
Another daily blog visitor record set yesterday, with a whopping 594 visits, mostly looking for information or footage of our new year firework display.
I reckon the nets at the offshore fish farm at Campanário must have broken again, as looking down to the beach there are loads of fishermen there again this morning, and the numbers seem to be growing daily. The fishing bonanza now seems to be an annual event, always after rough seas, and must cost the owners of the fish farm a small fortune in losses.
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.
You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.
—————————————————————————————————————————————–
Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.
Vandalism puts gas tank at risk. The gas tank that supplies a block of flats situated near the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint in Santo Antonio, was yesterday at risk of exploding. Two rubbish bins were destroyed by fire and damage to the infrastructure meant a temporary interruption in ZON and Portugal Telecom cable television and Internet in the area. Immediately behind the rubbish collection containers is a gas tank, which could have easily caught fire. Vandals set fire to the area at 1.30 when there was poor visibility in the high zone. The Funchal bombeiros extinguished the flames but the charred remains are an eyesore for visitors to the viewpoint. There have been similar acts of arson at ecopoints recently, all at night, in the area of Courelas and near this viewpoint. 
Bad weather stories round-up. In Vasco Gil, the electrical cables were ripped down by a storm-felled eucalyptus tree. In Funchal, various roads closed, especially the Estrada Luso-brasileira, due to landslides. Officials had to use chainsaws to remove buganvilia (bougainvillea) from the Ribeira de Santa Luzia, after heavy rain caused it to fall into the water and block the water course.This plant also caused problems and had to be cut back on the Rua 5 de Outubro in Funchal. The only access to Curral das Freiras, the Estrada da Eira do Serrado, was cut off by falling eucalyptus trees, destroying power lines. Rubbish discarded thoughtlessly has washed down to the coastline, especially in Serra de Agua and Ribeira Brava. Falling trees destroyed the roof of a residence in Camacha (photo). Three eucalyptus and two pine trees fell onto the roof of the unoccupied Villa Viera Cardosa in Rochao. The owners live in South Africa. Neighbours had asked the family to cut the trees two years ago, as they recognized the potential danger. The family displaced at Monte yesterday will be temporarily housed in lodgings by Funchal Council. A landslide near the electricity station at Serra de Agua left about a dozen families isolated at Achada dos Aparicios. The only access road to the power station and their houses was blocked by the landslide. The Council unblocked the road by the end of the morning. The sea invaded at least one bar on the esplanade at Praia Formosa. The bar Barra Azul was affected last night and the bar is half destroyed. In front of the Atlantic Gardens, the footpath has been closed due to waves threatening the beach area. According to the IM, the coast of Madeira will be hit by strong waves until the end of the year. Two large ships are sheltering from the weather off the north coast and are being monitored by the Harbour of Funchal to ensure they do not come too close to shore. One is a large container ship, en route to Rotterdam, the other is a tanker.
Rock fall forces family from home. The car was buried inside the garage, and the house damaged, early on Christmas morning in sítio do Calvário, in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. There were 5 people in the house when it was stuck at about 1.30 am yesterday morning, but all escaped uninjured. The fire brigade attended, but there was little they could do, so the matter is now in the hands of the council to clean up and secure the location from further problems. Also up until early yesterday morning the fire departments were called to Funchal, Tâmega (Ribeira Brava), Fontaínhas and to Quinta Grande to deal with trees that had fallen into the roads. At Levada dos Piornais a wall collapsed. Somehow I suspect there must be many more stories of problems than just the few cited here, but everyone deserves a day off, so bad luck for the firemen as well as for those badly affected.
