Day 7: Funchal is the largest town on the island, where cruise ships stop en route to other parts of Europe. We were in town for its Flower Festival, but the whole island is dotted with flowers. It seems that everything grows on this island, with its year-round spring-like climate. Many of the exotic species are labeled with scientific and common names as well as their country of origin. the Mercado dos Lavrodores contains many stalls with produce and fish. The town as well as the island have changed since loans were granted by the European Union to construct better roads and tunnels. Tourism is booming, with a huge new hotel nearing completion to add to the many existing accommodations. We stayed in the lovely Quinta da Penha de Franca, an oasis in a sea of high-rise hotels, staying in the completely updated manor house portion of the hotel.

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