Driven to Abstraction

The weather forecast was clear about one thing today: 100% chance on rain. It has been showery but not as bad as we had anticipated. We thought it wise not to embark on a dolphin watching trip, but instead took the cable car to the top of Monte, and visited the beautiful tropical gardens there. We took the Art Trail, which was very pleasant and interesting. It included a potted history of Portugal interpreted though large ceramic murals. One in particular made us smile - it was the invincible Armada and its attempted invasion of The British Isles. We also got a nice view of a Madeiran Chaffinch, scrounging for crumbs at the cafe. The photo was taken from behind a cascade, just as a swan was obligingly passing by. I think it's possible to make out a couple of the sculptures in the background