An early morning dawns, but not too late. I know they’re waiting for us, all these flowers. The gray weather shall be deafened by all its colors. The plants have become our shelter from the rain.
New day on an island, far out in the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel breakfast was approved. The hotel was full of people in their upper middle age and older. We had chosen the hotel for the best possible peace. The hotel was child-free. It was full of English and Nordic guests.
Every night, there was live music in the hotel bar. The performances ranged from classic rock and pop to Spanish tunes. Troubadours of all genres entertained us. It was close to the beach and located in the middle of the old part of the city, very near to the cable car station, so…
…is there one way up, or two? There are roads, of course, as steep as the depth of admiration for the island’s fantastic nature. The above-ground route did not attract us. Fear of heights and mixed thoughts took us up along the mountain in a bus. A bus as wide as the roads and constantly facing oncoming traffic. Who goes first? The biggest goes first was the mantra along the narrow and steep uphills. Finally, we arrived at what was the first destination of the day: Madeira Botanical Garden.
The Madeira Botanical Garden1 was proposed as early as the 17th century and opened in 1960. It spans about eight hectares, with five hectares dedicated to landscaped areas featuring various trees and ornamental shrubs. You can explore sections with orchids, lawns, and scenic viewpoints over Madeira’s capital, along with an amphitheater.
The garden is home to over 2,000 exotic plants from around the world. To tackle global biodiversity loss, it includes a research and conservation area focused on preserving these species.
In the end, we both arrived at the heights I didn’t want to look down from. Every downward glance became a squint. Narrow paths took us around the gigantic garden. Plants and flowers in all their shapes and colors were waiting for the rain. However, we didn’t, but we knew it would come, sooner or later.
Gray clouds and narrow paths circled around. We hiked, took photos, and sought shelter from the rain that fell. The path circled like the cutting of the bushes in the main image of the post. Slim but still with all plants. Carefully, we moved between fountains and swimming turtles. We encountered terrifying cacti with thorns as long as my fingers. I hid my fingers in my pockets.
The rain fell as we prepared for the next destination. It would take us even further upwards. Vertigo would be on the agenda. First, a bite to eat, a little to drink 🥤, and getting caught in the tourist trap. A golf shirt, of course. A hobby golfer like me can proudly play a round of golf here at home. I can wear a shirt that says Madeira Golf on it.
For further travel upwards, it was, of course, the cable car that applied. Pretty much the whole time on the way up to Jardim Monte Palace, I closed my eyes. My heart was in the pit of my throat. I kept thinking that the cart would break loose and fall into the depths of the mountain valley.
The Monte Palace Madeira Garden has a prime hilltop location. It offers panoramic views over Funchal’s bay. This garden is one of the most unique places on the island of Madeira. It is marked by its exotic flora and the art that surrounds it.
The history of Jardim Monte Palace2 dates back to the 18th century. Charles Murray, an English consul, bought the property south of Monte Church. In 1897, Alfredo Guilherme Rodrigues purchased it and built a grand residence, which later became the ‘Monte Palace Hotel.’
The Monte Palace Madeira Garden now showcases about 100,000 plant species from around the world. This includes ancient cycads, known as living fossils. There are several Buddhist sculptures and lanterns. There is also an impressive collection of tiles from the 15th to 20th centuries. The garden is home to diverse wildlife, including swans, peacocks, and Asian koi fish.
What else could we expect? To my delight, I got to take part in art and photographs. Along the paths that surround the giant garden, we could see images and motifs with a historical connection. Many of them were both restored and copies of motifs from the 16th century.
With a Pina Colada in hand and tired legs, we watch a group of pelicans resting, standing on one leg. I have two and have a hard time getting them to carry me. We have hiked, ridden the cable car, and hiked some more. The 1,000-year-old olive tree at the entrance to the last stop is the last thing we admire.
A long day among plants, high up in the mountains, was over. The way back was as scary as the way up. The closer we got to the station, the more I could breathe out. The carriage remained hanging. My fear disappeared with the deep sigh I gave as we stepped out of the cable car.
Back to the hotel (Porto Santa Maria)3. Recharge our batteries and ourselves and a glass of the island’s namesake. 🍷 Relaxing in preparation for the next adventure – a jeep safari in the mountains…
💬 See you not tomorrow, the day after tomorrow
© Björn Blomqvist 2024-10-30
- https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/culture-passionates/gardens/monte-palace-madeira-garden/ ↩︎
- https://visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/culture-passionates/gardens/monte-palace-madeira-garden/ ↩︎
- https://www.portobay.com/en/hotels/madeira-hotels/porto-santa-maria/ ↩︎
Blomman – Some Kind of Word Artist 
Comment