What a beautiful morning! Warm enough to sit outside in my nightie, just taking in the view while sipping my cappuccino from my own mug. The special big one, we bought when we got the keys to this house. A bit noisy though, cars are coming and going. It this their main season, so I guess they are pretty packed.

Big things are going on here, since the bank took their unsold properties, more and more people are flying over in search of a bargain. And they are in a way. But some of them were seriously overpriced back then. So maybe this is the time to invest in them.

After having this house for over a year and spending so much time here you realise a few things.

First: You do need a car. You cannot jus take a taxi 4 times a day going down to Funchal and back. It is very convenient, but for most it would be too pricey.

Second. The weather can be quite different to the one you have downtown. Especially so in winter. When you are freezing up here, and sitting outside can only be possible wrapped in a big fluffy bathrobe, downtown you can do your daily morning walk on the Promenade in a short and a T-shirt.

Just like back home. There is about a 5-7 degree C difference between the mountain and the city.

Third: You are kind of isolated. Which is fine by me, perfect for writing. But not for A.

So he is looking for an apartment. Down, close to the Forum Madeira. Since we always end up there, most of the times we start our walk from there or finish there, it is the perfect location. Good investment as well, with everything within walking distance, can become a holiday rental. Unless he wants to stay in it.

Seen quite a few, I was not taken with any of them. Cannot get excited about a flat in a block, even if it has a view.

Mind you, found only two with almost uninterrupted sea views. One in Villa Formosa, but the land in front of them was bought by Pestana and Ronaldo with the plan of building a hotel. So there goes your view.

The other one is quite nice, penthouse type, modern and has a huge terrace with great views. But still nothing special, and for that price I could just buy a gorgeous house with a gorgeous garden. That’s me.

Still I leave it up to him. However this one is too big and seriously overpriced. Buying one bedroom apartments are easier to rent, that is what I would do.

Palheiro is still the best. Saying this even though I have a bitter taste in my mouth the way things are going right now. A. showed me his bills, and found out that we have ridiculously high electricity bills.

There are only two explanations for this, either someone forgot to turn off the floor heating and it has been going on for over 4 months ( though even then it is too high), or someone had been staying here. None of them are good.

The sprinkle system in the garden is not working properly, even though I’ve told them several times, and my poor Tibouchina is drowning , while the bougainvilleas are not getting enough water.

Inside the house water must be getting into the walls (most probably from the bathroom) , the evidence of it is visible on the walls and ceiling of the living room.
So the huge amount we pay for “managing” the house results in this. Can’t help but feel a bit cheated.

Knew it was too nice to be true. I have my fair share of experiences with contractors, people in this business.

You cannot just sit back and relax and think that they will love your place exactly like you do. It will not happen.

Only a few days left. Then backto reality. Must deal with a tenant, who thinks that paying the rent is not a must, is an option.

Meanwhile, have I mentioned that Ronaldo is coming to Madeira? He is coming to inaugurate his new hotel in Funchal. How to get through the crowd to see him?

Perhaps pretend to look for Pokemon.