#in a WHEELCHAIR through the centre of town on a friday night....... that was a wild ride

[pinktinselmonstrosity]

had probably thee most insane night of my life lol! everything is sorted now (10am, i just got home) but. oh my god it was rough

[newstfionline]

Friday, March 26, 2021

Border crossings strain resources in Rio Grande Valley (AP) Elmer Maldonado spent a week in immigration custody with his 1-year-old son after crossing the Rio Grande through Texas to request asylum. One night, the Honduran father and son slept on the dirt under a bridge shivering from the cold temperatures at an intake site where large groups of migrants turn themselves in to Border Patrol officers. His experience illustrates a cycle that is repeating itself thousands of times a week amid a dramatic rise in migrant children and families at the U.S.-Mexico border: They arrive in the middle of the night by the dozens and are kept at outdoor intake sites, then taken to overcrowded detention facilities well past the 72-hour court-imposed limit. From there, the families are either released into the U.S. or expelled to Mexico, the lucky ones dropped off at a COVID-19 testing site with documents. Children traveling without their parents go to federal shelters that are also quickly filling up. The process is largely out of the public eye. The Associated Press has not been allowed in any of the Border Patrol facilities. Journalists are often limited by authorities even when going to the banks of the Rio Grande to witness the process and talk to immigrants.

Capitol fencing removed 77 days after deadly riot (USA Today) An imposing fence-line strung with razor wire has been removed from the outer perimeter of the U.S. Capitol complex, more than two months after the deadly siege. Capitol Police said Wednesday that local streets blocked by the network of barriers also had been re-opened to traffic, though authorities said they are prepared to “quickly ramp up security at a moment’s notice, if needed.” An inner-perimeter fence around the actual Capitol building will remain in place while police and lawmakers continue to hash out a long-term security plan.

US saw estimated 4,000 extra murders in 2020 amid surge in daily gun violence (Guardian) For exactly a year during the pandemic, the United States did not see a single high-profile public mass shooting. But a surge in daily gun violence contributed to an estimated 4,000 additional murders throughout 2020, in what experts warn will probably be the worst single-year increase in murders on record. Early estimates suggest the US may have seen at least 4,000 more murders last year than in 2019, and potentially as many as 5,000 more, according to projections based on FBI data, though complete official statistics will not be available until the fall. Many of the homicides are concentrated in communities of color that have historically seen the worst burden of daily gun violence, including in Philadelphia, St Louis, Chicago and Oakland.

In Myanmar, a New Resistance Rises (NYT) In a jungle in the borderlands of Myanmar, the troops sweated through basic training. They learned how to load a rifle, pull the pin of a hand grenade and assemble a firebomb. These cadets are not members of Myanmar’s military, which seized power last month and quickly imposed a battlefield brutality on the country’s populace. Instead, they are an eclectic corps of students, activists and ordinary office workers who believe that fighting back is the only way to defeat one of the world’s most ruthless armed forces. After weeks of peaceful protests, the frontline of Myanmar’s resistance to the Feb. 1 coup is mobilizing into a kind of guerrilla force. In the cities, protesters have built barricades to protect neighborhoods from military incursions and learned how to make smoke bombs on the internet. In the forests, they are training in basic warfare techniques and plotting to sabotage military-linked facilities. The opposition is a defensive response to the military’s mounting reign of terror. The Tatmadaw has cracked down on peaceful protesters and unarmed bystanders alike, killing at least 275 people since the coup, according to a monitoring group.

Torch relay for Tokyo Olympics kicks off its 121-day journey (AP) The torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics began its 121-day journey across Japan on Thursday and is headed toward the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23. The relay began in northeastern Fukushima prefecture, the area that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors. About 18,000 died in the tragedy. About 10,000 runners are expected to take part, with the relay touching Japan’s 47 prefectures.

Taiwan beefing up its defenses (South China Morning Post) Taiwan has begun mass production of a long-range missile and is developing three other models, a senior official said on Thursday, in a rare admission of efforts to develop strike capacity amid growing pressure from mainland China. The island’s armed forces are in the middle of a modernization program to offer a more effective deterrent, including the ability to hit back at bases deep within mainland China in the event of a conflict.

Some Australians return home as others evacuated in floods crisis (Reuters) Australians hit by devastating floodwaters began returning to their homes on Thursday as skies cleared and authorities accelerated clean-up efforts, though fresh evacuation orders were issued in some areas where water levels were still rising. Relentless rains for five straight days—the worst downpour in more than half a century—burst river banks, inundating homes, roads, bridges and farms and cutting off entire towns in Australia’s east. More than 40,000 people were forced to move to safe zones and two men were killed after their cars became trapped in floodwaters. Water continued to flow from overloaded dams and rivers on Thursday, particularly in New South Wales state, leading authorities to urge caution. Major flooding also continues in Sydney’s western suburbs of North Richmond and Windsor, while fresh evacuation orders were issued for some areas in the centre of the state.

One man’s mission offers Beirut neighbourhood a vision of hope after blast (Reuters) The sheer scale of the destruction in Beirut’s Karantina district after the massive explosion at the port last August made rebuilding a daunting feat. That was where Marc Torbey El Helou, a charity worker, came in. The low-income neighbourhood was one of the closest to the blast that killed 200 people. It stands across from the giant, mutilated grain silo that has become a symbol of the tragedy. Helou decided a day after the explosion to dedicate himself, and the aid group he runs, to rebuilding the neighbourhood. Just removing the rubble required 300 truckloads. Some buildings needed immediate help to stop them collapsing. Helou says the same of Karantina’s residents. “There were children here who would not laugh or play for months.” Helou’s charity, Offre Joie (Joy of Giving), has repaired Lebanese districts hit by war and violence since 1985. “Unfortunately, it means we have the experience for this,” said Helou, 33, who has used a wheelchair since a diving accident in 2016. With the Lebanese state hollowed out by decades of corruption and failure, it fell to aid groups and volunteers like Helou to rebuild the city. Offre Joie took on six blocks in Karantina and nearby. That includes the homes of about 350 families. More than seven months after the explosion, one of the largest non-nuclear detonations on record, many residents have yet to return. But the streets are bustling with life again, and the buildings never looked so good. The charity’s budget was trapped in the bank thanks to controls imposed during Lebanon’s financial crisis. But donations poured in from abroad: up to three million dollars in cash, construction material and containers full of food. Thousands of volunteers also came, including engineers and psychologists.

Musical Chairs But The Song Never Ends (NYT) Four elections in two years have failed to give Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the necessary 61 seats to form a coalition government with a majority in Parliament. With more than 90% of Wednesday’s vote counted, Netanyahu’s right-wing alliance had 52 seats and his opponents had 56. And the gridlock extends beyond the election. Administrative stagnation has left Israel without a national budget for two consecutive years in the middle of a pandemic, and with several key Civil Service posts unstaffed. The idea that the political deadlock paralyzing the country isn’t going to get better, and in fact appears to have gotten worse, has Israelis pondering the viability of their electoral system, the functionality of their government and whether the divisions between the country’s various politics—secular and devout, right-wing and leftist, Jewish and Arab—have made the nation unmanageable. A Tel Aviv-based analyst said Israel isn’t yet a failed state, like Lebanon, because it still has institutions. “But there is definitely erosion,” she said. “Not having a budget for two years—this is really dangerous.”

Saudi official denies threat to harm UN Khashoggi investigator (Reuters) A senior Saudi official denied on Thursday he had threatened to harm the human rights expert who led the U.N. investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, after the United Nations confirmed the expert’s account of the threat. Agnes Callamard, the U.N. expert on summary killings, has said that a Saudi official threatened at a Jan. 2020 meeting in Geneva that she would be “taken care of” if she was not reined in following her investigation into the journalist’s murder. She said the remark was interpreted by U.N. officials as a “death threat”. The United Nations confirmed her account on Wednesday, describing the remark as a “threat”. Neither Callamard nor the United Nations has identified the Saudi official who made the remark. However, the head of Saudi Arabia’s human rights commission, Awwad Alawwad, identified himself as the official on Thursday, while denying he had intended any threat.

Stuck ship in Egypt’s Suez Canal imperils shipping worldwide (Washington Post) A skyscraper-sized cargo ship wedged across Egypt’s Suez Canal further imperiled global shipping Thursday as at least 150 other vessels needing to pass through the crucial waterway idled waiting for the obstruction to clear, authorities said. The Ever Given, a Panama-flagged ship that carries cargo between Asia and Europe, ran aground Tuesday in the narrow, man-made canal dividing continental Africa from the Sinai Peninsula. In the time since, efforts to free the ship using dredgers, digging and the aid of high tides have yet to push the container vessel aside—affecting billions of dollars’ worth of cargo. Overall, famed shipping journal Lloyd’s List estimates each day the Suez Canal is closed disrupts over $9 billion worth of goods that should be passing through the waterway. A quarter of all Suez Canal traffic a day comes from container ships like the Ever Given, the journal said. “Blocking something like the Suez Canal really sets in motion a number of dominos toppling each other over,” said Lars Jensen, chief executive of Denmark-based SeaIntelligence Consulting. “The effect is not only going to be the simple, immediate one with cargo being delayed over the next few weeks, but will actually have repercussions several months down the line for the supply chain.”

[tyleroakley-obsessed]

This weekend in Memphis, we have an international soccer match, a food festival, a movie night, lots of live music, and much more. Here are the five things you won’t want to miss. But first, today (Thursday) I’m co-hosting an NBA Draft Watch Party at The Bluff on Highland at 6 p.m. Come hang out with me, Jason and John from ESPN, and the guys from Grizzly Bear Blues blog to cheer on the Grizzlies as they take their number two draft pick. It’s free to attend. Get all the details here. And now on to your weekend guide… 1. New Ballet Ensemble Presents Summerdance, Halloran Centre, Friday, 7 p.m., pay-what-you-can, all ages/kid-friendly Join the New Ballet Ensemble and School for a unique, family friendly dance performance featuring international guest artists, local professionals, and Memphis students. It’s PWYC, and proceeds benefit the school. 2. Soulin’ on the River w/ Nick Black, Mud Island River Park, Friday, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., free to enter (parking prices vary), all ages/kid-friendly Come enjoy the new Grove area at Mud Island River Park this Friday night (it’s the part over by the MS river model nearish that new MEMPHIS sign). Gates open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m., and you can bring your coolers, picnics, blankets, chairs, kids, and nice leashed dogs. They’ll also have food and drink for sale. I recommend parking downtown and doing a bike/scooter across, or if you have strollers or wheelchairs, pay for parking on Mud Island. Details. 3. 901FC v. Pachuca, AutoZone Park, Saturday, 7 p.m., $20+, all ages/mostly kid-friendly The biggest international soccer event Memphis has ever seen is happening this Saturday night. Our very own Memphis 901 FC will take on LIGA Bancomer MX powerhouse Club Pachuca Tuzos. To translate: we’re playing a good team from Mexico, and it’s going to be awesome. These games are a blast for the whole family, just steer clear of the supporters section if swears make you sweat. There are also $10 Bluff tickets available day-of game. 4. Time Warp Drive In, Summer Drive In, Saturday, 8 p.m.-’til, $10 per person, not for kids This month’s all-night movie night at the drive in features some of the weirdest animated movies of all time, including Heavy Metal, A Scanner Darkly, Paprika, and Odd Anthology. I saw Heavy Metal a few years ago and I. was. not. ready. It’s beyond bizarre, and absolutely not for children (probably not for most adults, either). Highly recommend if you’re into creative, weird, artsy. 5. Craft Food & Wine Festival, The Columns, Sunday, 6:30 – 9 p.m., $60-$110, 21+ As of the time of this posting, there are a few tickets left for the 6:30 p.m. and VIP Super Session tastings at this Sunday’s Craft Food & Wine Fest, so hurry up and grab yours. This charcuterie-inspired festival will showcase locally made breads, cheeses, fruit preserves, cured meats and more from 40 vendors. Read more here. Plus a few extras… Summer Nights Sock Hop, Elvis Presley’s Memphis, Friday, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., $10, all ages Graceland is hosting a sock hop night as a part of their Fabulous 50s weekend (Chubby Checker performs on Saturday). They’ll have music, dance contests, games, best dressed prizes, cash bar with 50s cocktails, and more. It all takes place over at the entertainment complex across from Graceland. Downtown Olympics, Loflin Yard, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., 21+ Show off your athletic abilities while downing some brews and supporting a great cause. Beer pong, cornhole, tricycle race and more. Prizes for top finishers, best parade entry, best team name and more. Benefits Urban Bicycle Food Ministry. Cloud 9 Memphis Presents Four Places, Theatreworks Memphis, select dates and times June 7 – 23, $20 adults/$15 seniors and students When Peggy’s two adult children take her out for lunch, they quietly begin to take her life apart. The drinks come fast, the tempers peak, the food flies. Hairspray, Theatre Memphis, all weekend and through June 30, times and ticket prices vary, all ages In 1962 Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad dreams of being on a local TV dance show. When she wins a role on the show, she becomes an overnight celebrity and meets a colorful cast of characters, leading to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show’s integration. The Legend of Georgia McBride Opens, Playhouse on the Square, all weekend, 8 p.m. – 10 p.m., prices vary, adults Casey is young, he’s broke, his landlord’s knocking at the door, and he’s just found out his wife is pregnant. To make matters even more desperate, he’s fired from his gig as an Elvis impersonator in a small-town Florida bar, and the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace his act. For more, check out the Summer Events Guide and the blog’s calendar. Are you a home owner in Memphis, with a broken garage door? Call ASAP garage door today at 901-461-0385 or checkout http://bit.ly/1B5z3Pc

http://ilovememphisblog.com/2019/06/5-things-to-do-this-weekend-6-21-6-23/

[zillowcondo]

Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira

The capital city of Madeira is blessed with year round sunshine, many historical attractions and some great restaurants. From cool rooftop bars to beautiful botanical gardens and fascinating museums, there’s something for everyone. Here are 17 things to do in Funchal, Madeira that you really shouldn’t miss.

Things to do in Funchal, Madeira

These Funchal attractions are listed alphabetically, to help you to find the ones best suited to your interests. The city of Funchal is very clean and safe. It can get busy when the cruise ships are in port but if you head off the main streets then you can easily find uncrowded sights to enjoy. The name Funchal comes from the word for fennel, funcho.

CR7 Museum

Perhaps the most famous person born in Funchal is Cristiano Ronaldo. He currently lives in Madrid but ut still has close links to the island.  The Museu CR7 opened in 2013 and tells the story of his rise to success. It houses all 126 individual and team trophies won by the football legend. Next to the museum, there’s the 4 star Pestana CR7 Hotel, with a rooftop bar, infinity pool and outdoor hot pool. Hotel guests get free access to the CR7 Museum, and there’s a restaurant open to non residents. A statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, created by Ricardo Velosa in 2014, can be found on the side of the building that faces the marina.

Museum opening times:  10.00 – 18.00, Mondays to Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and 25 December

Restrooms available

Refreshments available

Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva

Housed inside the imposing Nossa Senhora da Conceicao fortress at the far end of Funchal Marina, the Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva is well worth a visit. The fort was once the home of Portugese explorer Joao Goncalves Zarco, who colonized Madeira in the 15th century.

Many of the attractions in Funchal are quite traditional so the modern designs on display here make an interesting contrast. The museum is the brainchild of Nina Andrade, who is a renowned Portugese designer. It showcases her work on hotels, universities and private residences as well as her furniture and jewellery pieces. There’s a stylish bar with indoor seating and an outdoor terrace with fantastic sea views, as well as a small shop. The highlight is the restaurant, DC Atelier, located on the top floor. It specializes in seasonal produce and contemporary Atlantic cooking. The decor would not look out of place in Vogue magazine, with comfy sofas and superb sea views.

Design Centre opening times: 10.00-23.00

Restrooms available

Refreshments available

Doca do Cavacas

One of the best hidden gems in Madeira, Doca do Cavacas is a natural rock pool where you can sunbathe and swim, with direct sea access. This secret Funchal spot is popular with locals and you can also walk through the tunnel to the nearby rocky Praia Formosa beach. The natural rock pools are extremely picturesque, though you’ll find them chilly for bathing out of season. There are changing rooms and a shower, as well as a little snack bar. The pools are supervised by a life guard. Overlooking the pools and part of the same complex is one of the best seafood restaurants in Madeira.

Opening times: 10.00 – 20.00, Monday to Sunday

Restrooms available

Refreshments available

Funchal Cable Car

To get your bearings in Funchal, we highly recommend a trip on Funchal Cable car to Monte. The journey time to the top of Monte parish takes from 15-20 minutes and the cable cars seat a maximum of 7 people. Along the way, there are great views of the sea and red tiled rooftops. You can buy tickets at the information centre on Caminho das Babosas or at Monte station. There’s a free exhibition on lace making that’s also worth a look.

Opening times: 9.00-17.45, 364 days a year

Return fares: Adults 16 €, child aged 7-12 years 8 €, child aged 0-6 years free

Suitable for: all ages

Restrooms available

Refreshments: available at the kiosks a few minutes away

Funchal Cathedral

Sé Catedral was built in the 15th century and is located in the heart of Funchal Old Town on Rua do Aljube. The cathedral of Funchal has an orrnate ceiling carved from local cedar wood,

Opening times: 07.30-12.00 and 16.00-19.00. Group visits: Daily from 09.00-11.00 and 16.00-17.30 Mass: 08.00, 08.30, 11.15 and 18.00 on weekdays. Sundays at 08.00, 09.00, 11.00, 17.00 and 18.15

Funchal Lido

Popular with locals and tourists alike, Funchal Lido has a fantastic location overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The Lido holds the coveted Blue Flag badge symbolizing environmental quality. There are several salt water outdoor pools, a solarium and plenty of lounging areas next to the rocks. Directly above the lido on Rua do Gorgulho there’s a cafe where you can get light meals and snacks.

Opening times: daily from 8:30 to 20:00 

Price: Adult: 5.00€; Young: 1.80€; Children (0-10) – free

Restrooms available

Accessible to those with reduced mobility – wheelchairs available

Funchal Marina

Funchal Marina is a lovely place for a stroll. There are several bars and restaurants along the water’s edge. It opened 20 years ago and has space for 210 yachts, as well as fuel stations, water and electricity supplies and nautical shops. If you’re visiting the island in June, don’t miss the fireworks display here each Saturday night. Part of the Atlantic Festival, the shows are free to watch and very impressive. A different fireworks team competes each week with the public voting on their favourite.

Funchal Toboggan

Perhaps the most iconic of all Funchal sights are the Monte toboggans. They have been in operation since the early 19th century and are handmade from wicker and wood. After taking a seat in the wicker basket next to Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, you’ll be whisked 2 kilometres down the hill by two carreiros. These men are dressed in white and wear straw boater hats, using their rubber soled boots to brake. The ride is surprisingly comfortable but it’s definitely exhilarating! The toboggan steerers guide the basket around the winding roads and past traffic intersections with expert skill. It’s perfectly safe as there are fellow workers giving the all clear at each junction. When you reach the finishing point at Livramento, there’s a cafe and shop. Either take a bus down or a cab but make sure that their meter is switched on.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday – 9.00-18.00, Sunday – 9.00-13.00 (prior reservation required). Closed on 1 January, 14 and 15 August, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and 25 December. 

Price: 25 € for 1 person, 30 € for 2 people and 45 € for 3 people. Children under 5 years old go free.

Suitable for: all ages, however the ride is quite bumpy

Restrooms available

Refreshments: at Livramento finishing point

  Igreja de São João Evangelista

The Church of St. John the Evangelist is a striking combination of Baroque and Mannerist style, dating from the 1600s. There are several carved, gilded chapels, decorative azulejos tiles, frescoes and ceiling paintings. Outside the church, you’ll see a black and white mosaic pavement in the shape of waves, that is traditional in Madeira. There’s also an unusual planter in a pair of jeans, highlighting the island’s efforts at ecological conservation.

Igreja do Socorro

If you walk all the way up Rua de Santa Maria, you’ll eventually come to Largo do Socorro and Igreja do Socorro. This attractive clifftop church on Socorro Square was rebuilt in 1750 after the original was destroyed in an earthquake.

Located in Socorro Square, this church is related with a pledge made by the people of Funchal to Saint James because of an outbreak of plague that occurred in the island in 1523.

Inside, there are traditional azulejos tiles, a painted ceiling and a gilded altar.

Opening times: Monday to Saturday – 09.30-12.00 and 15.00-18.00, Sundays from 09.00-12.00

Mass: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 18.00, Saturdays at 17.30 and Sundays at 10.00

Madeira Casino

Casino da Madeira is a design classic, created by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1970. Its distinctive shape is said to resemble a volcanic cauldron. Located next to the Pestana Casino Park, it’s a fun place to go at night when the rooftop is lit up. There’s live music at Copacabana nightclub and dinner shows every Thursday at Bahia Restaurant.

Opening times:  Sunday to Thursday – 15.00-3.00, Friday, Saturday and holiday eves’ – 16.00-4.00. Closed – 24-25 December

Suitable for: people aged over 18 years old. Those under 18 years old are allowed to access the Bahia Restaurant

Restrooms available

Refreshments: Bahia Restaurant, Palm Bar and Rio Restaurant

Mercado dos Lavradores

The Farmers’ Market in Funchal is known as Mercado dos Lavradores. Located on Rua Latino Coelho 38, it is popular with locals and tourists alike. Designed by Edmundo Tavares, it opened in 1940. As you enter the market there are two beautiful tiled wall murals by João Rodrigues. Inside, the market stalls are spread over 2 floors. On the top there are herb and spice sellers as well as gifts whilst on the ground floor there are fruit, vegetables, fish and some casual eateries. Quite a few of the stall holders wear the red traditional Madeira cap.

Opening times: Monday to Thursday – 8.00-19.00,  Friday – 7.00-20.00, Saturday – 7.00-14.00, closed on Sundays and public holidays

Restrooms available

Lift to upper floor

Refreshments: several eateries inside and a tapas restaurant directly in front

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Madeira is known for its stunning floral displays and we’d highly recommend a visit to Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Located at the top of Funchal Cable car, it’s a lovely excursion from Funchal. Inside the garden there are some beautiful plant displays, spread over 70.000 square meters. A collection of over 1,000 African tribal sculptures, African Passion, is also well worth a look. The Mother Nature’s Secrets exhibition displays one of the best private collections of minerals.

One of the most interesting characteristics of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is the existence of a large collection of tile panels placed along the walkways and amongst the vegetation acquired by José Berardo, under the specialist direction of Manuel Leitão. This collection, considered to be one of the most important in the country after that of the National Tile Museum, is made up of Hispano-Moorish tiles of the 15th and 16th centuries and panels produced in Portugal from the 19th to the 20th centuries.

Head down the shady pathways, admiring the traditional Hispano-Moorish tiles and you’ll come to Monte Palace. Dating from 1897, it was previously a hotel. There are great views of Funchal from here. The Japanese inspired section of the garden directly below the palace is a pleasure to behold.

Opening times: 9.30-18.00 for the garden, 10.00-16.30 for the museum, every day except 25 December

Price: 12.50 € for adults, free for children under 15 if accompanied by adults

Entrance gates and ticket booths: Caminho das Babosas, 4A (Entrada Junto ao Teleférico), Caminho das Babosas, 4 (Entrada Norte) Caminho do Monte, 174 (Entrada Este) – closed on weekends

Guided tours to the Museum: no extra charge but must be pre-booked and they are only available to groups

Restrooms available

Refreshments: coffee shop near entrance inside

Shop on Caminho das Babosas

Rua de Santa Maria

One of the most Instagrammable Funchal attractions is along Rua de Santa Maria. Known as the Painted Doors area, it features many colourful building entrances. Thanks to the Open Doors Art Project, local artists have transformed Rua de Santa Maria and the surrounding alleys with colorful designs. From Madeiran folk scenes to contemporary murals, there is much to admire. You’ll find many restaurants and gift shops along the street too.

Opening times: all day for the doors. Restaurants and shops from lunchtime to late evening. 

Sao Tiago Fortress

Painted a striking shade of ochre yellow, Sao Tiago Fortress is a cheerful sight. It was built in 1614 to protect Funchal from pirates. It was used by the military until 1992 when the Regional Government of Madeira The Contemporary Art Museum is housed inside, together with a popular restaurant specializing in Madeiran food, Restaurante Do Forte.

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.00-12.30, 14.00-17.30. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Restrooms available

Refreshments available

The Vine Hotel Rooftop Bar

One of the best hotels in Funchal, The Vine has a fantastic rooftop bar. Decorated in a contemporary style with a dipping pool and comfy bean bags, 360⁰Sky & Poolside Bar is a great place to savour a cocktail. There’s also an al fresco restaurant which it’s advisable to book.

Madeira Wine Museum

The island of Madeira is famous for its distinctive fortified wine. Production of wine on the island dates back to the 15th century. Blandy’s is one of the best known rum producers and Blandy’s Wine Lodge on Aveniga Arriaga 28 boasts the oldest wine cellars in Madeira. They date from the 17th and 18th centuries. There’s an interesting collection of vintage wines, machinery and other objects relating to winemaking.

Opening times: Monday – Friday: 10am – 6.30pm ; Saturday: 10am – 1pm, closed on Sunday and public holidays

Price: Free

Restrooms available

Funchal Restaurants

There are some fantastic restaurants in Funchal. Here are a few that we have personally tried and would recommend:

Amazem do Sal – one of the best restaurants in Funchal, located in a former salt cellar

Beef and Wines – try the unlimited picanha beef, sliced at your table

DC Atelier – modern Atlantic cooking in a historic fortress

Jaquet – great seafood in a hole in the wall restaurant on Rua de Santa Maria

O Calhau – Mediterranean dishes and a pleasant outdoor terrace in Funchal Old Town

Restaurante Dos Combatentes – traditional Madeiran cooking

Restaurante Riso, Risottoria Del Mundo – risotto with a fantastic view of the Atlantic

Getting to Funchal

Funchal Airport, officially named Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) is located just 22 kilometres from Funchal centre. The journey time takes around 25 minutes by rental car or taxi.

Day Trips from Funchal

Cabo Girao

Dolphin and whale watching

Levada walks

Porto Moniz lava pools

Santana traditional houses

Valley of the Nuns

Where to Stay in Funchal

Hotel Alto Lido is a stylish hotel near the lido area. It’s just been renovated and has a chic reception and bar area. The imitation log furniture in the bar is very lifelike! There’s also a lovely pool with a large terrace and day beds for serious sunbathing. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

Reid’s Palace is renowned for its sea views, whilst the Pestana Casino Park has the famous Madeira Casino within its grounds. If you’re looking for a hotel in Funchal city centre then The Vine is an excellent choice.

There are many more fun things to do in Madeira so try to make time to explore the rest of the island.

Practical Information for Visiting Funchal

Currency in Funchal – Euro

Electricity – Voltage is 220V. It’s advisable to bring an adaptor

Health – no vaccines are required

Weather in Funchal – temperatures range from around 73°F (23°C) in August to 61°F (16°C) in January

Language in Funchal – Portugese. English is widely spoken

Tipping – a service charge isn’t normally added, although it’s usual to tip 10%

Read all our Portugal travel blogs here

Pin for later or share with friends if you’ve found this guide to things to do in Funchal useful

     In association with Visit Madeira

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[eatingexeter]

DEVON: Delightful, Edible, Variety, Outdoors, Nourishing.

Five words we can think of relating to our incredibly rich, tasty and hardworking county, but there are certainly many more words to describe the assortment of food and drink available to us from our waters, moors and everything inbetween.

The best way to be exposed to as many great producers as possible? Food and Drink festivals of course!

Here’s our round up of the upcoming 2018 Food Festivals in Devon as well as a couple from Cornwall. We’ve included website links for each festival as well as links to our review of the previous events for a feel of what you can expect.

This page will be updated constantly if other events pop up, or when we know more info has been released so do come back to double check if you’re looking for an event to visit. In the meantime, get the dates in your calendar!

If you know of a great food or drink event we haven’t included, then feel free to message us on any of our social media platforms, or email info@diningdevon.com

April

14th April: Cullompton Springfest

Check their Facebook page for further info.

A food, craft and music festival; there will be a Farmer’s Market, plus a range of food producers selling their food products as well as cooked food to sell on the day. Local restaurant, The Bakehouse, will be hosting an Indian Cuisine night and there is a special meal at The Walronds on the night (ticket only), with a celebrity chef doing the honours.

May

5th, 6th and 7th May: Exeter Food and Drink Festival

Check their website for further info. 

Last years write up: Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink 2017

In our opinion, the largest event in the South West and based in Exeter city centre in the grounds of Exeter Castle. An excellent festival including evening music events, live music during the day, beer tent, kids cookery and activity tents, farm animals, plenty of food to eat, producers and no shortage of tasters – come hungry! Demo kitchen, chef’s Q&A, wine tasting as well as a VIP option with an extra room full of treats and a place to rest your weary legs.

  6th May: Salcombe Crab Fest

Check out their website for further info.

Last years write up: Salcombe Crab Fest 2017

A free one day festival spread around Salcombe quay and town is a celebration of crab and seafood – with demos from chef and restauratuer Mitch Tonks, crab picking tuition, commercial crab fishing talk, crab pot making, music, wine tasting and more. The programme of events will be available on their website from March.

  26th – 27th May: River Cottage Spring Fair

Check their website for further info.

On the grounds of the famous River Cottage HQ at Axminster, this festival is full of food, music and producers in a fantastic setting, albeit not as accessible as some, so do check access if you have prams or wheelchair needs etc. Cookery line up includes Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Tom Kerridge, Guy & Geetie Singh-Watson and Gill Meller, to name a few, with more to be announced. There are workshops to book, tours to venture on as well as various kids activities. Additional activities do cost a bit extra so be sure to take plenty of cash or prebook through the website to ensure a place.

27th – 28th May: Dartington Food Fair 

Check their website for further info.

Our write up from 2016: Dartington Food Fair 2016

A free event, with a small parking charge, the food fair is held in the grounds of the Shops at Dartington. This fab food fair includes a demo tent, large food producers tent, plenty of food to eat, along with a few kids activities. On top of that you can enjoy the deli, the kitchen shop, toy shop as well as the drinks shop. A great excuse to visit this lovely ‘shopping village’ which champions local food and drink.

June

1st – 3rd June: Plymouth Flavour Fest

Check their website for further info.

Now in it’s 15th year, Plymouth Flavour Fest is quite a large food festival spread out through Plymouth city centre. Food stalls, producers, drinks marquee and chef demo tent with the star chef for the event being Masterchef Judge, John Torode who will be cooking on the Saturday. Extended trading times, evening entertainment, children’s engagement programme and a continental market also feature this year. 2018 details are yet to be released fully.

2nd June: Ottery St Mary Food and Families Festival

Check their website for further info.

Now in its 6th year, this event is aimed at foodies and all the family, encouraging healthy eating and showcasing local produce and restaurants. More info is yet to be released but last year over 5,000 people joined in the fun at local eateries, enjoyed tasting local produce from the food stalls and the children were well entertained inside and out.

9th – 10th June: Crediton Food Festival

Check their website for further info.

Now in it’s 10th year, this event is held in the town centre and is great for food stalls, music and demos.

16th – 17th June: Q’fest BBQ Competition, Festival and Camping

Check their website for further info.

Held at Red Rock Brewery in Bishopsteignton, this newbie to the food scene is now in it’s second year. Driven by the increased interest in UK BBQ’ing, smoking and outdoor cooking, the event features a major BBQ competition. For visitors there will be camping, product stalls, BBQ cooking demos, bouncy castles for the kids, food and drink of course, live music in the barn as well as the opportunity to taste some of the best BBQ in the country.

July

15th July: Pen’Grillie’ BBQ Festival

Check out their website for further info.

Held at Pentillie Castle, to the east of Plymouth, this event is now in it’s 3rd year and is a lovely event consisting of BBQ competitions, live music, chilli eating competition, kids activity tent, food and product stalls, smoking and grilling demos, all in a beautiful setting.

August

12th August:  Rockfish Crab Fest, Dartmouth South Embankment

Check their website for further info

The Rockfish Crab Festival is now in its 7th year, championed by restaurateur Mitch Tonks, it celebrates all that is great about our British crab. Enjoy music, local crab, children’s crabbing competition & the best-dressed table competition – that’s the table not the guests! Bring bunting, table linen, flowers, candelabra, whatever you fancy.  Guaranteed fun & guaranteed weather-proofing with a marquee!  This is a ticketed event, and further info will be released in due course on their website.

September

1st September: Nourish Festival, Bovey Tracey

Check their website for further info.

2015’s write up by Editor, Chris, can be read here.

Bovey Tracey’s Fore Street gets transformed for this music, food, craft festival and Devon Street Food Awards. There will also be two evenings of concerts. More info  to be released soon.

2nd September: Clovelly Lobster and Crab Festival

Check their website for further info.

A unique and beautiful place, Clovelly celebrates its famous lobsters and crabs sustainably caught by its fishermen with a great day out for all the family. This year is its 10th Anniversary.

7th, 8th & 9th September: Topsham Beer and Bacon Festival

This little festival is not all fancy and big – it’s perfectly formed and organised by the guys at The Pig and Pallet/Good Game. A beer tent, some bacon and pork based food stalls, a side loader truck opened up for the live music to perform on, and right in front of The Lighter Inn on Topsham Quay. If you’re local, be sure to pop down for a good time.

8th: Ashburton Food & Drink Festival

Check their Facebook page for more info.

This free festival offers a full day of local foodie delights and entertainment. There’ll be over 60 stalls and music and entertainment together with talks, wine tasting and cooking demos.

16th – 17th: Plymouth Seafood Festival

Check their website for further info.

The website states “The Barbican and Sutton Harbour will come alive on Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 September, with a celebration of locally sourced and sustainably caught, high quality seafood.”

With Plymouth having the second largest fish market in the UK, events spread across this harbourside city includes cookery theatre with well known regional chefs, food stalls, crabbing competition, and a cardboard boat race amongst other activities!

22nd – 23rd September: The Great Food & Drink Show

Check their website for further info.

This is a brand new show, being held at Westpoint in Exeter, featuring some serious food heavyweights such as chefs Tom Kerridge and Jean Christophe Novelli. The weekend will include workshops, South West food and drink producers as well as a selection of restaurants and eateries. More information being released gradually but having spoken with the organiser, it sounds like it’s going to be a very exciting, large event. When you buy a ticket, you can also opt in to be in with a chance of winning a place on their Ready, Steady, Cook challenge!

Date TBC: Taste of the Teign and Teignmouth Harbour Festival

Check their website for further info.

A week long food event that will include Smokeinteignhead, a newly added BBQ competition. Various events are held and venues and include Tea on the Teign, jam making workshops, an evening in the orchard, Fry Up Friday, street food market, farmers market and culminating with a food fair.

October

  6th – 7th October: Powderham Food Festival 

Check their website for further info.

Last years write up: Powderham Food Festival 2016.

Held inside Powderham Castle and around the beautiful grounds, this fabulous festival includes a Theatre of Fire and Smoke, food stalls, producers, drinks, items for sale, free cookery classes for kids by Fun Kitchen, demo kitchen with local great chefs including Exeter Cookery School and some live music.

  19th – 21st: Dartmouth Food Festival

Check their website for further details.

Held all along the harbour with plenty of street entertainers, food stalls, products, children’s activities and demos to be enjoyed as well as special offers in restaurants.

______

Some of the above events we have visited and some we haven’t so it’s a mix of knowledge, opinion and information gathered from the websites. Please check websites or organisers directly regarding prices, parking and accessibility. Feel free to tag us on social media if you visit any!

2018 Devon Food and Drink Festivals for your Diary DEVON: Delightful, Edible, Variety, Outdoors, Nourishing. Five words we can think of relating to our incredibly rich, tasty and hardworking county, but there are certainly many more words to describe the assortment of food and drink available to us from our waters, moors and everything inbetween.

[the-windowproject]

For now

It is one of those days that seem to last for ages. Where I forget about time, not checking the clock to decide how I should be feeling, or what I should be doing. It is particularly special because it is just a random Tuesday. Not a weekend, not a holiday. A day singled out from the normal routine. And, by chance, it’s sunny too, the last of the high pressure. A random sunny day in March.

On the train to Whitstable with my bike, I feel at one with the woman in a wheelchair, sitting with her daughters, who are middle aged. ‘Do you want to take your cape off?’ one asks her. ‘No. I’m not too hot, not too cold,’ she says contentedly, eating her sandwiches.

I find my friend Steve in Whitstable, hungover. We reflect on how babies rule: he hadn’t meant to get drunk last night but his friend, a recent new parent with a rare green card for a night out, had led him astray. And now: ‘I need some food! I need an oyster!’

In town, we stop at the independent bookshop where I buy an OS map, the second of my life. I don’t want too many, but this one goes all the way to Margate and covers the Isle of Sheppey, so I reckon it has juice for other trips. And then to Wheelers, an old oyster shop that Steve makes a beeline for. How does he know this stuff? His mind is like Wikipedia.

We chat with the woman, who is very friendly, and buy and sample quiche, oysters, tart and samprass, my first taste of this salty asparagus from the sea. I ask her how long she’s worked there and pain flashes across her pretty face when she says, ‘Too long.’ She lets the words hang for a bit, I let them hang too. And then she recommends us a route, the Crab and Winkle trail. ‘The Chocolate Box is the last place to get a drink until Canterbury,’ she cautions.

As we stand on the street and study the map, a smartly dressed man approaches us. ‘Excuse me. Can I help? I’m a local.’ He explains that we could get to the trail via the former location of the oldest passenger bridge in the world, now gone. ‘If I was cycling, I’d go that way. Next time you’re down, visit the museum. It’s open on Saturdays and tells you all about it.’

It’s about five minutes’ cycle to the Crab and Winkle trail. Steve gets cross with an aggressive jogger, who refuses to move from the centre of the track to let us pass. ‘Imagine being in the countryside, and angry? I bet there’s no one like that in New Zealand.’ Steve mentions NZ a few times today. It’s on his mind, because that’s where his girlfriend is from.

Halfway down the trail, which is part of a salt way – an ancient route for trading salt - we stop at a church, and get chatting to a man, a former maths teacher, who’s on his lunchbreak. Nearly everyday he walks to this bench; thirty minutes there, thirty minutes back. He loved teaching, helping adults who’d been traumatised by maths at school, in tears sometimes. Then, with his support, they realised that they could do it. But, he tells us, Further Education got buggered up after 1993 because of policy changes. ‘Totally shit,’ he says. I realise that sometimes it’s shocking when a stranger swears and that he is still disappointed, over twenty years on. We look out over a field, hoping to spot a skylark. The man says he’s wouldn’t be able to, on account of his eyesight, ‘Too many floaters.’ But then the three of us see one, flying vertically upwards, ‘larking’ loudly. We track it against the clouds.

In Canterbury, Steve and I visit the coffee shop by the bridge that we always go to. We take our drinks outside and watch a bossy man launch his boat trip with five passengers. ‘If you put your hand in the water, make sure you wash it before you eat anything.’ We learn from him, telling them, that a stour flows quickly, an ouse, like in Bedford, flows slowly. And then they disappear down the river.

Over lunch in a park, Steve and I talk about life, and how we try and make sense of the past, sometimes in a reductive way. ‘I don’t think you should look back and say you did it all wrong, that’s too black and white,’ he tells me. ‘Maybe you needed to do that at that time.’

We plan our next moves, using the map. It was only seven miles on the Crab and Winkle trail, and we want to get some distance in our legs. So we will head further south and east before going north.

Before leaving Canterbury, we stop at the oldest Christian church in England. Walking through the grave stones, Steve begins to tell me about the time he received a bad review on Trip Advisor. A group of young people came into the bar on a Friday night, not long before closing time. One man was asking for music that they could dance to.  

We pause the tale when we go into the church, where we meet a woman who volunteers there, and who generously tells us the history of the building. A small part was originally built by the Romans ‘and that,’ she says. When Bertha, a Christian, came from France, it was gifted to her ‘and that’, again. Augustus arrived, and they needed more space, and built and extension ‘and that’. It is genuinely interesting.

Steve resumes his story when we leave the church. The man in the bar didn’t give specific examples of songs he wanted to dance to. So Steve told him he couldn’t fulfill his request and said, ‘It can take a while to know what you want, but you’ll find that life’s much easier when you do.’ We agree that this is definitely true, but that perhaps it’s not what a person who wants one last drink and a dance on a Friday night wants to hear.

Onto Fordwich, where we get confused by the river. Two guys give us the incisive but in practice hard-to-follow instructions: ‘Just go up the hill.’ Then in the next village, we stop to ask a man, his grandson and their dog for help. While the man gives directions, the boy repeats, ‘It’s just over there, behind the reserve.’ I let Steve absorb the information while I try and speak to the boy about his Spiderman jacket and his little toy, but he doesn’t want to talk to me.

On the man’s guidance, Steve and I set off down the roads, not the footpath, - ‘You’ll make quicker progress.’ – where we do, indeed, go beyond the reservoir the boy was referring to. And then, who knows the time, but it’s proper cycling now. Quiet, undulating country roads. Silence. Thoughts. Freedom. Hot. A bit thirsty sometimes. Steve leading, me behind. The odd comment, like Steve pointing to the auburn baby cows and saying ‘foals’.

Another village. A micro brewery (shut). A polite youth in a corner shop asks for any cigarettes that are cheap. ‘None of them are really cheap,’ replies the shop keeper. I buy a Whispa. I’ve eaten more than I’ve burned off today, I’m sure.

We hit rush hour on our way down, or up, into Herne Bay. The beach huts look gorgeous en masse. In a row, an appealing collection of stripes and patterns, shades of pastel mixed with vivid, bright colours. But on their own, they’re more vulnerable, worn-looking, and it’s hard to pick a distinct favourite when we try to. Steve talks about how out of season seaside towns, and particularly amusement arcades, are inherently sad to him.

I suggest we take the cycle route for the last bit, which hugs the coast. We get quite battered by wind and the sky is growing hazier with cloud cover. ‘I don’t normally cycle by the coast, it’s exposed,’ says Steve, but he still agreed to. ‘It’s a new weather system,’ he has to turn his head and shout this a few times for me to hear, because of the wind.

My legs are getting tired. And then, we are back at Whitstable. ‘Fancy a pint or shall we go back?’. It’s just the two of us in the craft beer place with the smart looking font. Steve tries four beers before settling, and the man is patient. Two pints, two bags of crisps, salty. Home, that song about love and adventures and memories and safety by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, comes on. It’s wistful and yearning, and it heightens how I feel right now, which is young and old at once. I keep feeling like this at the moment. It’s a happy and sad sensation. When I hear songs like that, when I experience the freedom of cycling, and existing outside time constraints, I feel somehow that it won’t be forever. Maybe I’ll not be able to do these things for much longer, or my friends won’t want to, or be able to. For now, though, we are sitting in a bar on a random sunny Tuesday in March. For now.  

[ballerinadancerindisguise]

My 2nd adventure at #ONCEVAN

So on March 24th to March 26th, 2017 I was a volunteer staff member for Creation Entertainment’s #OUATVAN convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. When you volunteer for a Creation Entertainment convention you get a couple perks, one is free admission to the show (well, that’s a no brainer.) The second is free autographs of all of the actors/ celebrities appearing that weekend (total score!!) and the third.. one free photo op per day you work. So, I was given three free ops from the start, I chose Gil McKInney (what a cutie!! And great at Karaoke!!); Beverly Elliot (how much I love Granny, it’s ridiculous) and Karen David (I love Princess Isabella (Galavant) and I originally chose Elliot Knight but his work prevented him from being there.. colour me sad.. but Karen’s an excellent substitution.) I also because I worked panels, got to watch the panels (but if you want spoilers, find a panel on youtube, I’m not sharing that much.. wink wink..) But mid day one after Mr Adam Croasdell (totally hottie, Hook’s dad…) finished his photo ops, I realized I could have another photo op for free. I found my supervisor after my fellow volunteers in my area had a conversation.. Michael or Lee, Sorry Michael (you are absolutely absolutely lovely… but..) I picked Lee. ‘ello Poppet! Wins the day. So that was my free ops: Beverly, Gil, Karen and Lee. I paid for two ops … Jennifer Morrison (my favourite actress of course) and Captain Swan themselves.. Colin O’Donoghue and Jennifer Morrison.). The price tag was hefty ($344 CAN for the two ops, but I didn’t cry that much when my credit card bill came in because.. it’s fricking Captain Swan.. you’d do it too..)

So anyways, my volunteer experience… On Thursday I came into town and met my friend Meagan at the airport. We were both volunteering. Thursday night we worked Merchandise table with a girl named Dawn who was selling her tee shirts, bags, and mugs. I bought my Hooked shirt from her. Great lady, nice stuff. I got to meet some wonderful fans during pre-registration. The fans are the best thing after the cast being there, I adore meeting other fans.. they are just so wonderful. Friday came around and we met our supervisor Jackie who was great. We got our volunteer shirts and free coffee and doughnuts (score!!) On Friday, I worked Registration. Volunteers Martin and Michelle showed me the ropes.. I volunteered last year but did Panel doors.. so Martin showed me tricks to get registration done super quick. Working registration was a lot of fun but had some icing on that cake.. Us at registration got a little behind the scenes that no one else gets.. For one, Michael Coleman, our Happy, visited us many times that day and I got to talk to him about his shirts.. He wore a shirt that said Heigh Ho on the back (kept it on for Karaoke that night), and he changed shirts like three times. He was very bubbly, funny and you know, happy. His daughters and wife came into the show as well. We put wristbands on his daughters. His oldest changed into a Snow White Costume and he walked around holding her hand. I swear it was the best thing that day.. until Karaoke… that is. I heard that he brought her onto stage with him as he was the MC. But I didn’t see it happen. His baby girl wore the cutest little hair bow, I go bonkers over cute baby accessories, they are too cute. His wife was super nice, and the whole family is ridiculously blonde, blue eyed and adorable. The second behind the scenes we got was when Chris Gauthier came up (super nice guy btw) and I smiled and said Hi, how are you and he goes Great, and how are you? I go great, thank you!  And he asked for his table as he popped in to the show for the day. Chris is actually a local actor (raised in BC) and was doing an autograph table. He was very warm and bubbly every time he walked by me and chatted with me. He also did photos with fans, but I didn’t think to ask.. Oops. On Friday I had my photo op with Gil McKinney, (he plays Prince Eric.) He was very warm. When I went up, I said Hi, I’m Sarah and he had his arms posed to take me into a hug, so all I had to do was step into them and hug him back. Hug, smile for camera, snap and done and of course the thank you. Easy smeasy. Friday after dinner, Meagan and I hit Karaoke. We got front row centre but since my cousin showed up as well, I moved into the second row with him and Meagan was in front of me. Sadly my camera took lousy photos but I did get a couple videos. The Karaoke started off with Chris, Raphael, Michael and Adam singing (OMG!) Backstreet Boys “I want it that way..” Way to ruin me guys, I love that song.. the only way it would have been better is if Gil sang too.. Wow! Then Beverly and Karen came out and sang Girls Just wanna have fun. It was an absolute treat. That’s when they opened it up to the fans who signed up. I swear Michael danced or sang along with almost every fan that came up. He has some moves and he was seriously cracking me up the entire time. Beverly sang some solos (she’s fantastic,) as did Gil. The best parts besides Michael’s dancing, and those two fantastic songs, was when they brought a little girl onto the stage with them and sang the time of your life. And Adam moves to the end and we are of course right where Karen came to run to jump into Adam’s arms for the life. But you see his face go oh no and she runs back and then he goes okay, and puts his hands out. They literally did the Time of Your Life lift totally improvised and it was perfect. I got a photo of it on my IG but its not the best (as I said, crappy camera!) Another great moment was when a fan starred singing Part of your world and I think its the part where she sings But who cares, no big deal, I want more.. You see Gil slip onto stage, And he starts mimicking the song in pantomime and strutting a bit. I was laughing the entire time while video taping it. (Video also on my IG). And my video camera breaks off and he starts singing along with her. But, the best best best (yes I needed three bests for this) part was when Sarah McCulloch *you must know her as Sarah the leaf lady*, came onto the stage, and of course the crowd goes wild. She’s head banging, air guitaring, God the woman is hilarious. She even ran down to front row and we smacked her hand and she did fist pumps “yeah!!”. Best thing ever. I got back to the hotel that night with cheeks that hurt. But at the end, they called us volunteers to the stage (traumatizing I know) and had us sing Be our Guest. I literally forgot the middle part and couldn’t see the screen as it was at an angle.. so I’m right across the angle from Karen and was using her for the words. OOPS, I know the first two verses and the last one but the rest just gravitated from my memory the second I get to stage.. But then Karen started doing a rockettes, sadly the girl next to me wouldn’t join in and kind of kicked me while we were doing it but hey, i sang on stage with Beverly and Karen.. boo yah! Anways.. Saturday I was a floater and I did gold panel doors (Jen and Colin’s panel), Merchandise table and panel crowd control. (The job I kept for the rest of the weekend..) I got to watch Jen and Colin’s second panel. He was very bashful. I could sense his social anxiety was getting the best of him (poor guy). He kept displaying his nervous ticks throughout the panel (Scratching his ear, shifting in his seat, etc) and Jen probably picked up on this as their panel was together and she answered most of the questions. They have a really good relationship, you could see their bond showing through on stage. I loved that. I did see parts of Karen and Keegan’s panel but I was moving around a lot. Saturday I got my photo ops with Lee,Jen and Colin, Jen alone and Karen, One of the perks of volunteering is that you get to be in the line right after the VIP people.. For Lee, it was easy, I went up and said Hello and introduced myself, gave him a hug and took the photo. Easy as pie. Then I had Jen and Colin duo. I would have preferred to meet Jen alone first but oh well. When I was in line for the duo op, there was a lot of tension in the room and for some reason the volunteers were not very nice (very rude…) As you may or may not know, Colin broke his foot very recently. For his solo photo ops, he was sitting on a stool for them. So Jen and Colin’s photo op, he’s on the stool. Jen came up and put her arm on his shoulder with her hand on her cheek.. super cute moment, I wish I could have taken a photo of that.. Jen then took her puppy Ava in her arms as the dog came into the room with her. Then the photographer said something to her and she gave Ava to the dog handler. The VIP girls (absolutely fabulous ladies) all went up and then they brought in a girl in a wheelchair. When she came to the front of the line, Colin removed the stool hobbling over to the photographer to give it to him and then limped back to the x. *OH MY GOD, the face he made and how he hobbled broke my heart..* And from that point on he did his photos standing up. When I got to the front 6 people later, they already configured a pose where Colin barely had to move. I was pushed into place ( I said they were rude, didn’t i?) And then I said Hi to Jen and Colin. Jen said a very bubbly hi back and pulled me into the pose for the camera. They both wrapped their arms around me and we did the photo. Then as the camera snapped, I looked at both of them, Colin, then Jen and said thank you so much. And Jen smiled and said You are so welcome. (Colin was very tired and didn’t say anything or I just didn’t hear him say anything).  And then I stepped out of the x and moved to the side. I saw Ava though. And moved to the corner of the room and said Ava? And her handler said yes. And I came a little closer and called “Ava” and she jumped up and almost ran towards me but a rude volunteer came over and told me in a more nice way than saying the words but GET OUT. I said to her, I’m just saying hello to the dog and she said I don’t care, you have to go. So I rolled my eyes at her and then grabbed my bag and left. But by the time I got out I was so peeved. First one volunteer keeps yelling at us standing in line. Then she pushes me at Jen. And then her co-volunteer tells me to get out. I paid so much money for that photo.. ugh. I steamed for about 15 minutes.. Thank god the photo itself was fantastic. Props to Christopher the photographer who was very professional and fantastic. I got my Jen and Karen ops after. First Jen, where it was a bit calmer in the photo op room. I walked up to her and said, Hi, I’m Sarah and she smiled, I give her a hug because I adore her. And then I said I’m a big fan, thank you, and she said thank you so much. And then I step aside and leave. I love my photo with Jen too. She was very warm, bubbly and kind. She gives good hugs. :) The last photo of the day was Karen. I love Karen. So me, and a fan waiting in line Mikayla, are both big Galavant fans. So we started singing It’s a Good Day to Die right in the Photo Op room. I have no idea if Karen noticed. Oh well. But as I get up to the front. I said Hi, I’m Sarah. She smiled at me. So I said “I know you are Jasmine on Once” (she goes okay, so serious) and I continue “But I love Isabella” (Cue big grin). She gives me a hug and of course I hug her back. Cue Photo. Then I tell her” It’s a good die to die, but I forgot my spatula.” She then has her fake serious face on and points her finger at me and goes “next time” in a deep voice. And I go “I will,” very seriously. And she does it again with her eye brows furrowed.. “Next time.” And then we both laugh and I said but of course.  And then I move out of the spot and she meets the next person. Absolutely lovely. I kind of squashed her in the photo, but she liked my tweet of our photo, so I think we’re good. Saturday night, I didn’t have to do autograph lines, so I waited while Meagan, lucky Meagan did Gil’s autograph line. He showed up 20 minutes late, only had ten people in line, but when he started to leave, a group of girls came up and hugged him. So I went up and said that I thought he was wonderful on stage. He takes my hand and squeezes it (after a hug and high five at karaoke, this is still a big deal people!!!), and says thank you with a smile. Aww, he’ll win me over so easy, that man. Sunday came in much too early. We got to the hotel at 8:15 am. I was put on Panel Crowd control all day Sunday. I got to watch Lana and Bex’s gold panel and regular panel. During Bex’s panels, she spent the time making seriously cheeky comments that made us laugh so hard. Her expressions are both adorable and comical and she is just so wonderful on stage. During Lana’s gold panel, she came out with her cell phone and took a photo of the crowd. I might be in the photo, but I haven’t found it online yet. She was very passionate and absolutely loves her fans. She came to the edge of the stage when a little girl wanted to ask a question, and crouched down low to talk to her. She just has such a big heart. And at the end of her gold panel, she snuck back stage and stole a bowl of chocolate kisses for the cast and threw them to the fans. She said I can’t give you all kisses, so I can give you chocolate kisses. So she kept throwing the kisses out until she ran out. But there was two children in the audience, that came up, and she had them come to the front, and she gave them each a kiss and some goldfish crackers. She did talk about how playing multiple personalities at once is very challenging. She was a delight. Beverly’s panel was lovely. She refused to sit down. She would walk up and down the stage talking to the fans. If the question was asked on the left side, she was standing on the left side, talking straight to the asker, and the same for the right side. And when Leslie (a lovely lady I met during autograph session later), said it was her birthday, she asked everyone to sing happy birthday to Leslie and then hugged her. Aww. Emilie’s panel was sweet. Lee introduced her as the sweetest girl in the world. She is so tiny that Lee had to help her onto the stool. (Aww!!). And she was just very sweet on stage. Adam Horowitz snuck in during her panel so I got a little distracted. He came by the back and I said hi, he returned the hi and continued to walk around the back. Then I had to pee, so I grabbed my bag, got a stand in for me, and went to go outside. I passed him on the way out and said Hi, I love Once and I loved Lost. He smiled and said thank you. I then went out to pee, but the line was like 15 people long. So then I went to chat with Meagan and then realized Adam came out so I went to see about a photo with him. I found him by the bathrooms and asked him very politely, which he said yes. He smiled for the camera and I got the photo of us. Then I used the bathroom. My cousin got a photo with him when I came out and I was showing him my photo when we realized there was a long line forming in front of Adam. Yikes. After that I had lunch where they treated us to fried chicken and slaw from Church’s.. hands down, better than KFC. Then was Lana and Bex’s panels in which I had to pay more attention to the fans as they were bending the rules.. OOPs. Or as Bex would say “Sorry..” Later I had Beverly’s photo op. When I got to the front after watching fellow volunteers sing songs in line (hilarious Gentry!!) I walked up and said Hi, I’m Sarah! She said Hello. I said nice to meet you. And she hugged me and of course, its granny so I had to give her a big hug back. But when we were standing there after the photo, I said I’m a big fan, I love Granny. And she took my hand in hers and squeezed it. And then she said “Sarah, Granny loves you too,” (I am still fan girling about this writing this on Friday. wow). I did autograph line for Beverly Sunday night. Sadly, we had fans standing in between us, so she never came to me afterwards. I did the names on posties for the photos and did line control. I did like chatting with the fans, and i was 6 feet away from Beverly most of that time. So, I can’t complain.

The best moments were Karaoke, meeting the cast, meeting the fans, getting to bump into Amber, Erin from #OnceSpoof and Barbara again and finally meeting Giennie and Killihan in person! (Sorry you guys had to do a search party for me…) and getting to spend the weekend with Meagan after being friends online since season 3. I made a lot of new friends. Got to finally meet Ace from #OnceSpoof (god, I love this guy!) and Aimee as well. The friends I made last year, getting to see them again this time was the sprinkles of the awesome cake. Would I do it again? Depends.. would Josh and Colin both be there? Would the rude people not? Hmm, we’ll see.. But I’m thankful for this weekend. I got fantastic autographs and lovely photos. And that karaoke night was one of the best nights I have had in a long time. This cast is fantastic, the fans are fantastic.. #blessed.