Looking For Hobbits....sort of!

 

We all had such a great day today. So glad you are searching for Hobbits with us. Well sort of……..I have always wanted to see the old thatched roof houses at Santana. Santana is a small city (village) on the northern coast of Madeira. The quaint  thatched houses, with the colorful doors and A frame shape have always reminded me of a place Hobbits might inhabit.

 We took a tour of the East & North coast day today.  According to our guide these houses were originally built in sets of three. The largest was used for sleeping , The middle size one was the kitchen and the smallest was the lavatory . Few of the original structures remain and even fewer have been maintained with the traditional thatched roof. Here is the photo Donna took of our favorite one.

Donna did a lot of walking today and took over 100 photos.  One of her hikes was to a local shop that sold handmade ponchos from Portugal. The one she selected was just perfect for her. When we stopped the guide suggested we get Poncha's..........which is a local tropical drink, but we were sure he said Poncho's and this is the result.  She got one and I could not decide so got three. Ponchos that is , not "Poncha's".

The climate and vegetation are so different from one area to the next.. On the East side are large Laurel and Cedar Forests. In generations past those huge sailing ships of the Spanish, French, Portuguese fleets were made of the wood from the forests of Madeira. Now those majestic trees are protected by UNESCO and the flora and fauna flourish. The word Madeira, means "wood".

A lady was selling starters of this flower. We had no idea what it was but at least knew we would never get the plant through customs.  

Here is a view of the coast line from the northern side.  Yes the water really is that blue. Some one sneaks out at night and dyes the water. 

I am enjoying every minute of this trip. Our Hop On Hop Off bus rides give us so many options. See I am absolutely delighted!

Every trip I have taken to the Azores and now Madeira, I have the same challenge. The bathrooms have an intimidating and amazing piece of porcelain. It is called a Bidet. I still have not learned how to properly use it. Thank heavens, Donna, has not asked me about it. She thinks I know everything about traveling. I cannot ask the maid in this very proper country. She speaks no English and would probably injure herself laughing if she figured out what I was asking. So tonight I will try to find a U-Tube instructional video. Hopefully one that is not X-rated. If any of you actually know, please send instructions before Donna asks!

I need to know: Which way do you face?

Can you use bubble bath in it?

Is there a way to adjust the temperature or is it supposed to be cold water only?

Do you keep your shoes on ?

Does it have a blow dryer on it?

Nevermind you do not need to answer. I actually found tastefully illustrated instructions on the internet. I understand how it works now. It sounds like a heck of a lot of extra work.

You will NOT BELIEVE this timing. I am NOT making this up!

Donna just came out of the bathroom and said "Isn't it funny they put a urinal in our bathroom?" Should I tell her?