It’s some time ago now that I completed a post for Picture the World. Naturally, I focused on Portugal. There’s nowhere of which I have more beautiful photos. However the project is still running at The Departure Board and I happened to notice that the slot for Madeira was still unoccupied. How can that be?
Madeira is one of the most ruggedly beautiful sights I have ever seen. Sheer drops along the north coast send waterfalls cascading into the foaming sea. In December you can have snow on the peaks, yet sensuous bougainvilea caressing the houses in the south of the island.
The levadas provide world class walking, in addition to the irrigation which is the island’s life blood. Every inch of the terraces is utilised to feed the islanders, and to produce the wine which is exported throughout the world. The Portuguese flavour is all there in the intricately tiled streets, but Madeira has a determined character all her own.
I was there not long before the dreadful floods of 2010 devastated the island. I watched the TV footage in horror as the flood waters tore through Funchal and the lovely spaces I had so admired. It is a tribute to the islanders that they picked themselves up so rapidly to restore their astounding natural beauty.
The Picture the World project requires only that I share one photo with you, but I can’t resist adding just a few more.
Funchal looking down from the castle (it’s a long climb)
Ornate tiled paths are everywhere
Rainbows too. The island is no stranger to rain.
Snow not so frequently, but visibility was so limited, our coach had to turn back
But everywhere the beauty is undeniable
To further the project, I’m nominating Cloud of Lace to supply an image of her homeland, Lebanon, and Freshly Pressed Compass & Camera because I know she has some exquisite photos of Bhutan. I look forward to seeing these, and in the meantime, many thanks to The Departure Board for the opportunity to share.
restlessjo 
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