Red Bus day in Funchal

Out at the toot this morning , did not even have brealkfast at the hotel as there was a bus at the local stop so we took it and headed to the City.
Found the stop for the red open top bus and took ourselves on what turned out to be a three hour trip. a lot slower than usual but was because King jaun carlos of Spain , his wife and the portugese President were in towen for the motor rally and some formal bits and bobs. Police everywhere, bomb squads, search temas and armed escorts - not sure if yesterdays carry on in Majorca had anything to do with it.

Big cruise ship arrived in the harbour and we were able to see it docking from a vantage point high up above the City.
The local market is brilliant with fresh fruits from the island, meats and fish - the selection and quality is exceptional - we even had a taste of five different passion fruits which are unique to the Island.

Big fire burning in the mountains somewhere relatively near to the hotel is depositing ash all over the place, and we hear that there are eighty firemen dealing with it. Hopefully they get it under control soon.

Made it for a massage this afternoon , very good, just not long enough , but the lady was run off her feet.

Our evening meal was as of the usual minimal standard and after a half salad we had a bit of a run in with the head waiter who passed a comment about the English / Scots, which did not go down too well - so we have headed out for something elsewhere. for an all inclusive, you can get draught coke at the bar , but have to pay for tins of diet coke - I presume they have never heard of the wider selection of B I B.

Anyway we will see what tomorrow has to offer.