So – if I am going to keep up with this writing thing then I should at least start reacting to ideas. This is on my mind so here goes.

Tomorrow morning (early) we embark on our first package holiday for years (decades?) The (curated) rail holidays in the last few years were, in suppose, close but this is a complete home city to destination flights, transfers, hotel and return flight. Madeira has been on our “must got there one day” list for some time and this trip to Funchal fitted the bill. It also falls into our determination to celebrate the year and a bite between Alison’s 70th and my 71st – something every month is the plan and I will write about that later. It has, admittedly, felt a bit strange not having to check lots of different things and we are a little nervous of what we might be letting ourselves in for.

Whatever happens we are in for some (very welcome) warmer weather, a week to rest and relax and the possibility of some good Portuguese wine and maybe food. The immediate area to Funchal has some interesting looking walks, a cable car (maybe!), some interesting gardens and, of course the port. Nothing ventured, nothing gained 😉