You will never appreciate the Sunshine if you don't have a little Rain!

So it's FriYAY and in our little corner of Paradise today we have a little rain, seems that Autumn wants nothing to do with Madeira Island, after all it's a warm 24oC here in at Belmond Reid's Palace !

But if it's a bit of Autumn you are looking for, and after all it is Friday, how about a trip up into the mountains this evening. I know what I will be doing! Up on the road to the highest point of the Island Pico do Areeiro, there is a lovely little restaurant called Abrigo do Pastor, the clientele are mostly local people, and being the weekend it should be quite busy. Abrigo do Pastor means the pastor's shelter and the restaurant is a sweet little thing up in the Laurisilva Forest, made of wood with a very cosy decoration, great food and greater wine.

Whilst up in the forest tonight you can also taste the local Poncha, Pé de Cabra and ask at the bar for some heated wine, that will definitely keep you warm.

After your meal, make your way back down to Funchal and visit us at Belmond Reid's Palace for a drink or two or three, taste our house specials like the Churchill or the Funchal Tonic whilst live music plays, look up to the Mountains to where you have been and enjoy the views of this beautiful Island.

Well, that's my FriYAY night Planned, hope you have fun on yours....