Madeira

Another one off the bucket list.

Highlights:

Pico do Arieiro - dramatic peaks, howling winds, majestic, breathtaking, spectacular views of the Madeira central mountains. Literally blew the Hip away!

Levadas - water channels from the mountains to the farm irrigations. Easy walks, tranquil views, serene. Loved it!

Funchal Monte Palace Tropical garden - colorful terracota tiles depciting each Portuguese kingdom, displaying the entire Portuguese history, along the garden walkways. Gorgeous lake with azulejos and nice waterfall, gorgeous cycads, orchids, oriental gardens with lush green vegetation contrasting the red and black of the bridges and railings, azulejos, alicatados and marble, bronze and granite statues adorning the garden walkways. Beautiful views of Funchal and the Atlantic ocean. the most beautiful garden the Hippo's ever seen. Blew her away.

Pão de Santana - baked fresh, with sweet potato. So yummy with just butter

Wicker basket toboggan - 3km sitting on a basket going down the steep hill from Camino do Monte to Livramento, about a 10 mins run at about 48km per hour, steered by the Carreiros do Monte - thrilling, exhilarating, sliding round the corners of the very stepp narrow winding road.

Boat to Ilhas Desertas - a 2 hours water journey on the Bonita da Madeira, a majestic tall ship stretching an impressive 23 meters. On a very bad stormy day, rocking and splashing but the Hippo didnt get seasick. Interesting tour of the Deserted Grande island, with bare orange and red hills, and learned about the rangers station and water gathering.
The ocean was calmed on the return trip so smooth sailing, hot sun and we sat/lay on the bow open deck with the sun and the wind on our faces, with spectacular views of the deserted islands and the easternmost point of the Madeira Island, and finally great views of Funchal. Oh, and we spotted Pilot whales and tons of dolphins swimming in the ocean. Wonderfull journey and educational experience!

The Hippo enjoyed the island. It's beautiful. But it didnt tug her heart as did the Açores.

Now see the photos: