Today we woke up early to catch the 8:30 bus out to Santo da Serra. With complete trust in the bus line information, we managed to locate and board the bus. The ride out was narrow and winding, often the bus driver had to beep and cars had to wait for us to pass through. After scenic views of terraced fields, the ocean and Funchal, we had made it to Santo da Serra.

As soon as we stepped out it began to rain. We successfully found the market after three attempts and we dashed for cover, and warmth. Luckily one of the stalls was cooking chickens on a massive heating rack, providing heat to the chickens, and to us.

Dry and warm, we set off to explore the market. After stopping for a poncha and cake, we had completed the reconnaissance. Together we reviewed the information collected, 6 poncha bars – three good ones, three cake shops – two of them poncha bars as well, delicious and warm pork buns located in the corner, one big custard apple that we should get, warm spots at sectors 4, 8 and 9.

The plan formatted. We hit the first poncha bar, where I had the best orange juice of my life. Yes, I know, its just orange juice, what’s the difference, but it matters, some are just wrong, others like this are excellent. We moved on to pork buns. What can I say, porky, fatty and juicy. Excellent.

Three poncha bars later, two demolished cakes and we were getting into the ‘vibe’ of the place. When some locals began singing and dancing Mum and Dad were getting twitchy feet. They thankfully remained humming and tapping away in the cover of the crowds, phew.

After looking at the time, we saw it was 11:45, our bus departed at 12:00. Making our way to the last poncha bar Dad had his best cherry liqueur (or ginja in Portuguese) of the day. With 5 minutes to go we walked, mostly straight, towards the bus stop, where we proceeded to hop on the bus. A brilliant, tasty and cultural day out.