A well kent face from my past.

How often do you hear folks saying that "the World is a small place" or "imagine meeting you here" - well those were my comments today when I bumped into Kenny Anderson in Funchal airport, about to board the same flight as me.

Kenny, a former Police Officer in the Ident Branch occupied the adjacent office to me at Dalkeith for a number of years before he retired. He has now been living in Aberdeen for the past seven years, so I have no idea how many years it is since I saw him last - but not only that, his next door neighbour and close friend was a Tutor at College in Edinburgh where I still do work, and who always had time to spare to talk to me, she also left Edinburgh a few years ago - what a small world, etc !!!

We obviously made it home in one piece, bit of a change again from blue skies and bright sunshine in Maderia to fog and rain in Glasgow and the Central belt - then to make matters worse the news reader on Real Radio, in the car, announced that the water companies were becoming concerned about the lack of rain, lowering levels of reservoirs, and considering a possible hose pipe ban !!

At least the flight was good, the Thomas Cook flight left bang on the button and arrived in Glasgow nearly thirty minutes early - excellent, no complaints, that was both flights on time which is something other airlines should try to emulate.

So Andy Murray has managed to do well so far at Wimbledon, good - showed plenty of energy, unlike the tired efforts of a certain football team - not my words, but a quote from their Manager on 5 News tonight - is that an excuse. Pity they did not lose before the Chancellor stuck the extra on VAT, they would have been home in time and able to buy a bit more with their "excessive wages".

Flowers, bugs, bees and fauna of Maderia

Seriously unamused, up on the roof trying to talk to the world, but they are not talking to me !! - why? I ask - is it my deoderant? Anyway - enough hilarity, sun was up and I was out stalking a few bugs and bees lurking in Maderia's finest flowers, etc. Missed the England v Germany game - althought not a pretty sight but it looks like Rooney and co are heading home on the next return trip from Botany Bay, might even have a new manager in the offing.
Watched the movie " Flight United 93" which was a serious reminder of how a small goup of fanantics with a twisted perception of life have seriously affected the physical and economic welfare of our world in an attempt to draw us back into the dark ages.

Last full day here, home to stale bread and porridge ramorrow.

Restaurante O'Aquaria - Tiger Prawn delight

Being an avid steak eater !! I have another liking, and that is for prawns, not little ones , but the bigger the better and last night we found a beautiful seafood restaurant, only about 200 yards from the apartment. The place was immaculate, the staff very friendly and the Tiger Prawns / languestines - melt in the mouth job.

The last time I had Tiger Prawns like these was in Rhodes at another small restaurant, BUT what a treat, a little "Jewel in the Isle of Maderia" , Restaurante O' Aquario, Garanjau.
The chef was deligthed to see us , especially when I asked her to pick the style of presentation , lightly done with garlic and herbs, and washed down with a bottle of the local white wine, which also complimented the lovely grilled sea bass which Mrs. B. chose. An excellent meal which means I might have to return here again in the future.

Maderia, Saturday a.m.

Early morning, quick session, so I have added some more photos from the gardens in Maderia, but also one of young Amy and her escort at the Macmerry Gala, just messing about so I tried it in black and white for a change.

Not getting the chance to sit and compose as usual as I have to go and seek a wi fi hot spot to do so, although this is being sent from the roof of our apartment block where I have managed to get line of sight to the bar we have been using.

Despite the fact that Portugal drew yesterday and have qualified for the next round in the World Cup there was not the same excitement as when they won on Monday last. I am sure things will liven up in the next stages.

Anyway , sun is shining here also.

Sun is shining, although I believe it is at home also - but it is nice and peaceful - bit of a recharge of the batteries before our longer trip to the USA in August

A day out in Funchal, flora and all.

Headed out today on the local bus up to Funchal, kind of hair raising as we hurtled round the bends on the edge of the cliff at breakneck speed. Bus appears to be fitted with some kind of retro brakes, needs them on the steep hills and everyone was in the brace position as we sped down into the city. We were in early so had a coffee and then into the supermarket where w spotted fish eyes, then took the cable car up into the clouds and took ourselves for a wander through the tropical gardens, not the botanical gardens. There has been a great deal of damage due to the recent flash floods and we saw where a a few houses had been washed away and others under water.

It was a bit overcast so we did not have the intense heat to contend with, but thedownside was the lack of light under the rtrees for taking photos.

Have started with a few as a taster but as dinner approaches, will add some more later.

Sun shine in Maderia

Sun is shining, nice and peaceful here, living on fruit and veg so add that to the sun, mega Vitamin C.

On the advice of Crurella had another massage today, at the capable hands of Sao Mendes, who we visited last year, Salon Sensa Sao, Estrada de Garaujau, so I am now well oiled, both inside and out..

Whilst Mrs. B. rests, I am in the company of Lee at the Tapas Bar, a Londoner, making his way in the sun here.

Not sure what happened with thew Tv but i never saw the England game in the world cup, but I hear it was as dismal a performance as the previous two games!! Lucky to get through to the next rounds - but with their luck they may well improve.

Anyway - we are fine, off to Funchal in tghe morning, up in the cable car and going to have a wander round the Botanic Gardens.

Edinburgh Moonwalk Marathon 2010, extra pics

In view of the amazing interest I have had in the earlier pictures I have added a few more ( now most of what I have). The walkers were just wonderful, from the oldest to the youngest (who did the half marathon). As a supporter to my wife and friends I have nothing but admiration for those who took part, and from what I hear it is an achevent, memory which many will cherish for many years, and all in a good cause - UNITED we can all beat BREAST CANCER.

Arrived in Maderia for a weeks R & R for Mrs B after her efforts during the Moonwalk, superb flight out, arrived early, friends apartment is lovely so we are happy.

Adding a few more pics of the Moonwalk.

Edinburgh Moonwalk marathon 2010 - family, friends photos

The end in sight for the weary foresome, made it in 7hrs 40 min, very tired and although there wa nice welcome from baby Eildgh, and an offer of drinks and breakfast - on this occasion sense prevailed and it was home to bed.

Not sure yet how much combined sponsorship they have raised , but it was earned though several hours of hard effort - well done and thanks to all the sponsors.