Madeira
After an overnight flight with a stop in the Azores, and the challenges of driving the rental car though Funchal we were relieved to arrive at our Madeira Air BnB. Owner Claudio was there to meet us, and orient us to the neighbourhood. The views from our accommodation were stunning, especially at night.
As an orientation, we took a useful walking tour of Downtown Funchal with Lisa, who gave an overview of the history, culture and architecture of the Island.
After a restorative café visit for pasteis de natas, we encountered a pre-Christmas Parade.
The following day, we took a cable car from Funchal waterfront up to Montes, where we admired the views and explored trails, found an old railway and met an indifferent goat.
We watched the famous Madeira wicker basket sledges whisk people partway down the slope, guided by costumed "drivers".
On the remaining days, we took the car and explored the rest of the island, mostly along the shoreline. Travelling through the many long tunnels, which could have slopes and curves built into them was a unique experience.
A highlight was the Banana Museum, where the story of the Madeira banana industry is told, including history, transportation systems over the years and innovations to strengthen the production and sustainability.
On our final day, we went inland to hike in Nun's Valley, where nuns from the Funchal convent fled to escape a pirate attack in 1566. We climbed the steep path, to the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, pausing to enjoy spectacular views and the remarkable way the slopes were terraced for growing chestnuts and other crops.
On the way back down we encountered a group of tame Red Legged Partridges that would have eaten out of our hands if we had something to offer.
We had become used to being welcomed by two dogs from a neighbouring house when we returned to our place. Also nearby was "Hippo", an outdoor cat we rarely saw, but the empty food bowl told us she was around.
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