Time to talk of other things ...

 Breathtaking Levada Nature Walk in Madeira Levada nature walk in Ecumeada, Madeira Today we did a half-day Levada hike along PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada that takes you through the heart of Madeira Island where you get to experience first-hand the breathtaking natural beauty of this sub-tropical island. Laurisilva Forests of Madeira Along this route we have passed two very different ecosystems, the Central Mountainous Massif (with its predominant volcanic escarpment) and the Laurisilva Forest (with its vibrant green forest characterized by herbaceous and bush vegetation including Erica scoparia ssp maderensis and Erica aborea , both well-adapted to large temperature variations, heavy rains and strong winds and abundant with wildflowers) Pride of Madeira blossoms Laurissilva forest species found at this altitude urzal above 1400m include Til or stinkwood ( Ocotea foetens ), Loureiro laurel ( Laurus novocanariensis ), Lily-of-the-valley tree ( Clethra arborea ), Sanguinho-da-...

Walk through a banana plantation in Madeira Banana plantations on the south side of Madeira Island Today we got to visit a banana plantation in Madeira on the south side of the island.  Nature walk through a banana plantation in Madeira Proximity to the sea, sun exposure,  mild climate throughout the year, fertility of the soil, the tradition of  Bananeira  and a unique irrigation system called levadas , make the bananas grown in Madeira absolutely delicious bananas, known for their intense flavour and aroma. Locals grow many distinct varieties that are eaten raw, used in cakes, mousses, ice creams and pancakes and even used to flavour rum. The edible banana is a long elongated fruit (technically a berry) of one of more than 80 species of the genus Musa , of the family Musaceae . It is also one of the most important cash crops in the world, beloved for its flavour, nutritional value, and availability throughout the year. Did you know that bananas ( Musa spe...