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.
Apologies everybody. I can’t seem to format this post correctly. It appears ok in my Edit box but the appearance is as you see. Still working on it- sorry!
Madeira looks like a very beautiful place; I love the tiled pathways, and that photo is awesome.
Thanks, Barb. Yes, it’s lovely! I always thought I might go back for the New Year fireworks or the Flower Festival. One day…
I love the location of this photograph. Do you use any editing software on your photos? This could be such a dramatic shot. Thanks for posting.
– Bob
Not usually, Bob. It’s not something I’m skilled at.
Would you like to see what it looks like enhanced?
Having a bad evening on here, because this post is wrongly formated. If you have a look at the linked Picture the World post I did on Portugal you’ll see what I mean. The technical side of things is always a battle with me and I’m getting myself upset. If you would like to play around with the photo, by all means go ahead. Sorry, Bob, but you’ve caught me at a bad time.
Thank you Jo. I hope you have a better day today. I;ve dedicated a post to you on my blog to try & cheer you up. Thank you for your blog & for posting this wonderful photo. http://pacificnorthwesttravelerdotcom.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/picture-the-world-madeira/ — Bob
Is this a kind response to a grouch, or what? Thank you so much, Bob. I’m very appreciative. One of my “goals” for the new year should definitely have been to dedicate a little more time to the technical side of photography.
Lovely pictures!
Thank you. Much appreciate your comment.
Wonderful shots. Love the tiled path with the shadows caused by the sun. The cross with the rainbow is awesome.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thanks, Francine. Needing encouragement tonight. My formatting on here is all wrong and it’s driving me crazy!
wonderful.. every word fully described how beautiful the place is as complemented by beautiful photos too.
Thanks so much, Elizz. Glad of your encouragement tonight as my WP is playing up.
Love the power of the sea. It shows so well in your photo. ty
It was a fabulous sea that day, Lesley, though not if you were a sailor.
I love the steps pic with the tiled path – lovely pics Jo
Thanks, Suze. Having a format nightmare!
Sleep on it Jo – might be sorted by morning
Beautiful photos! Love the tiled path, too.
Thanks, Amy. It’s definitely one of the world’s beautiful places.
Beautiful, Jo!
Thanks, Naomi. It’s another fond memory.
Gorgeous! I’d love to visit Portugal one day, especially to visit for the surf (my husband and I like to go on surf trips, and Portugal is on our list!)
You’d love Odeceixe up the West Coast. The beaches are to die for! Thanks for your visit.
Every time you post on Portugal, it moves higher up on my list of places to go!
Bless you, Margaret! That has to go on my list of nicest things anyone ever said about my blog. Thank you so much.
As much as I like all the shots, the tiled path is my favorite *sigh*.
Yes, there’s something so alluring about that garden. I wanted to move into that house instantly, Gem. And the views!!!!
I’m drawn to the rugged, dramatic bits of nature too. Makes me feel alive.
Beautiful!
It definitely has a wild side. Many thanks, Elisa.
Thank you so much for are beautiful pictures. Madeira very a beautiful island.
Yes, it really is. Will it be on your list of places to visit on your “round the world”?
I have been attracted to Portugal more and more while looking through your blog. The photos of Madeira are simply amazing Jo! I checked out the TDB site and I’m so happy to see you featured there! Happy new year, by the way Jo!
Thanks a lot, Antoinette. Do you fancy posting on TDB? There may be a slot you fancy. I looked at Poland, too, but then thought “steady on girl”. Happy NY to you too. Will return visit asap.
I’ve always fancied Madeira from years back. Tried to work out a way to include it on my world trip but it wasn’t exactly on the main route
Had a friend who went recently and his photos were stunning. A work colleague stayed at the posh hotel there. I even bought books on the place. Maybe one day?
It’s definitely a rough seas kind of place! It had a bit of a staid image with all the cruises, lilac perms… a while ago, but then, you must have all that on Gib, too. And the levada walking is sensational.
Actually the hair colour here tends towards the Spanish. ie warm blonde, red or jet black. No blue or lilac rinses!
We do have the cruises though. And walking up the Rock can be pretty good too
I’m hoping to try that some time this year.
I can’t believe I never visited Madeira. But since my husband was born in The Azores islands and has family there we also tended to go there over and over… They Azores are also worthwhile visiting, not as touristy as Madeira, and is a lot more natural too, or so I hear! I love that tiled path photo.
The Azores are on my list, Sami. Those lake-filled volcanoes and hydrangea hedges look superb. I’m hoping for a cheap flight at some point from Portugal. I can dream!
Some really nice shots! It looks like we’ll be moving to that neighborhood of Europe, so I think we’ll have to put it on our itinerary. Hey, we’re having a travel photo contest over at Field Notes From Fatherhood, and I’d love for you to enter. Here’s the link if you’re interested. http://fieldnotesfromfatherhood.com/2013/01/08/one-week-left-for-photo-competition/
Cheers!
Many thanks for your visit. I’ll come check it out. Hopefully I’ll have more luck than I did with this one- my formatting’s misbehaving!
These are absolutely stunning pictures, Jo!
Thanks, Dianne. It’s definitely one of my favourite places. Mountains, sea and flowers. What else do you need?
Beautiful pics, Jo. I’ve never been to Madeira, but it certainly looks well worth a visit.
For me, it was a place that exceeded expectation, but then, it was a special birthday treat, so I’m really glad it did, Ad.
Your lovely description of Madeira in the opening paragraph alone is enough to convince me that you do adore the place and for good reason.
(And that tile path looks like an expensive carpet!)
Hi Tita! Many thanks, hon. I got so cross with this post because I did it a week or 2 ago, and when I went back to publish it, in line with The Departure Board, the formatting was all wrong and I simply couldn’t fix it. Just when I think I’m getting the hang of this blogging game. Ah well- on to the next post! (and hopefully the next destination, soon)
Thank you so very much for this wonderful gift!! I am so honored! You are simply an amazing person, lucky are those who have you around at home
As for Madeira… Such a magical place! I’d love to visit one day..
You’ve done incredible work in this post, I just love your photos
kisses
You are very welcome. I know from your blog that you can find a great photo for the project, and I very much look forward to seeing it. Have fun with it. Si at The Departure Board is very easy to work with. And a big thank you!
I can’t believe I’ve never made it to Madeira yet and I’m Portuguese! Your post just inspired me need to make it a priority.
It is lovely. So glad to be the source of inspiration. I’m hoping for the Azores one day too, but that’s in the future (if I’m lucky)
~Those tiled paths are absolutely gorgeous~
Aren’t they, though! I tried to persuade my husband to do ours here in England, but he wasn’t having any. So mean!
I love your photos of Portugal. If I’m blessed to travel places someday, I would like to see these amazing pictures in person. It looks like a place where dreams comes true and nature creates the most breathtaking images 365 days a year. Happy New Year!
Madeira is another of those chunks of volcanic activity left behind by the upheaval of this strange world we live in. The landscape is truly beautiful, but not an easy place to live. I hope that you get to travel some day soon.
Looks spectacular Jo! especially those tiled paths. And love what Bob has done with that image of yours!! Wish I could learn some of those skills
I suppose I should but I’m very lazy when it comes to things I don’t enjoy and I have absolutely no affinity for technical stuff.
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