International Lifestyle Magazine Issue 54 | Page 65

My lead and inevitable victory
being snatched by the Bishop of
Derby!
I have my suspicions on the culprit
responsible for my last minute
belly slide as my glory was in
sight (together with hordes of
spectators, press and media!),
and can only assume that the boss
was looking after his key staff on
that particular day !
Meanwhile further afield we can
thank the Portuguese-, Spanishand Italian-speaking countries,
amongst others for a slightly larger
celebration and the word “carne
levare” which basically means
to take away meat, and thus to
another aspect of the Lenten
fast. The word “Carne Levare”
eventually became known as
“Carnival”!
The most famous of these
Carnivals is possibly the Brazilian
Carnival in Rio de Janeiro,
however closer to home one of the
biggest street parties in Europe
takes to the streets this month in
Madeira!.
This peaceful island once a
favourite haunt of Christopher
Columbus has an almost perfect
temperate climate, the locals
are wonderfully friendly, the fish
straight from the Mediterranean
and delicious fruits of every
description are all locally grown,
sweet and juicy, not forgetting the
famous Madeira wine, and cake
that add to the abundant list of
reasons to visit.
Whilst historical architecture forms
Funchal`s character, Madeira has
not stood still, for it also boasts
the European and world Designer
hotel of the year 2013 called “The
Vine”
The Vine`s designer rooms are
spacious with clean lines and
striking colours delivering a cool
and relaxed environment, an

infinity roof top pool overlooking
Funchal itself and an ultra-modern
place to either party or simply chill
out whilst being looked after by
friendly professional staff led by
the GM, Mrs Teresa Gonçalves
Soares.
This hotel sits in a very modern
building within the old Town of
Funchal and a perfect location
just a pancake flip away from all
the main areas and the Carnival
Parade itself.
The Madeiran Carnival evokes
the riotous spirit of Rio, beginning
with an elaborate parade through
Madeira`s
capitol
Funchal,
featuring the best samba bands
and troupes dancing through
the streets in dazzling feather
costumes and floats covered in
local flowers.
The party continues throughout
the weekend and concludes on
Shrove Tuesday with the fantastic
“Tra [0