Having returned early, Tom had a snooze while I did the blog. The rain stopped and started several times, so we’d almost decided to eat in the hotel when, miraculously, it cleared up. (We’re finding that the weather changes rapidly here and you have to be prepared for anything especially if you’re out and about. We brought rucksacks so carry waterproofs around with us.) As there are a variety of eating places in close proximity, we braved it and went to the Chinese – passing the 2 lovely ladies outside the White House who again tried to tempt us in! They’re not TOO pushy so let us pass, recommending the duck in orange sauce! Tom followed their recommendation and it was very good. I had chicken in roasted almonds, which was also good. Intrigued by the dessert menu which offered “fried ice cream on fire”, Tom couldn’t resist! It was a generous serving of ice cream deep fried in a light batter, doused in Cointreau then set alight – he thoroughly enjoyed it, while I had ice cream and banana, not quite so adventurous!
We then stopped off at the White House for a drink on the way back – the 2 girls were still tempting passers by in for a meal – what a way to earn a living! But they don’t seem to mind and enjoy a bit of banter with people whether they go in or not. The standard of English here is very high – even in many of the back street businesses. I suppose since the island is very dependant on tourism, and a big percentage of that is British, it makes sense. There are also lots of Germans and Scandinavians, but not many Japanese or Americans, except for the cruise ship passengers.
Tom’s passed his sore throat onto me, isn’t he kind? So I’m feeling not quite 100% today, but we ventured into town again, despite that and the rather grotty weather – dull, overcast and raining lightly although it had poured first thing this morning. The hotel coach was full, so we used our bus tickets again and then walked up the hill (slowly) to the Embroidery Museum, stopping off in one of the many shopping centres for a coffee and the use of the free wi-fi. It was the cheapest coffee we’ve had so far – 75c. Tom is not so keen on the coffee they serve on the island as it is definitely sweeter than usual, but I am becoming quite a fan.
The Embroidery Museum is quite small, but the items on display are wonderful – for anyone with an interest in stitchcraft at least.
Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of information available and what was there was not translated in the most easily understood English, but we did take lots of photos, marvelling at the intricacy and delicacy of the pieces.
One tablecloth was used when Queen Elizabeth II visited Portugal in 1957.
There is a huge Gobelin tapestry (4m x 5m) on the wall as you enter the Museum. It took 14 girls, 3 years to complete (1958-61) and has 7 million stitches – it’s simply beautiful.
There are also some lovely pieces of marquetry furniture. 
As we were both feeling below par, we caught the coach back here and have spent the rest of the afternoon having a siesta, reading and the blog. The sun’s been dodging in and out of the clouds all day so we’re hoping that it, and us, will be brighter tomorrow. I’m glad we hadn’t organised any trips this week.
Just outside our room are a couple of strange trees with feathery leaves and very thorny looking trunk and branches. It has fruits that look like elongated avocados but we don’t know if they are edible.
There is a specimen in one of the gardens in town and we found out that they are “Chorisia Speciosa – Sumaume”, native of Brazil. There are a lot of S African and S American plants here, as well as orchids. We plan to visit the Orchid Gardens one day – they are said to be spectacular.Evening
Both of us are still feeling grotty, so we’re staying put, whch is just as well as it has been seriously raining on and off since we returned from town. There was the most amazing complete rainbow however, with a fainter double one just above it, in one of the brief periods when the sun was shining.
So goodnight for today.
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