Contrast offers intense and sharp experiences. In Sofia’s Place you breath the local community spirit and culture in a sophisticated and cosmopolitan accommodation, in the heart of one of the most exclusive, dreamy and romantic places around. As Jardim do Mar itself, Sofia's Place offers the local and the universal, the unique and the diverse, the rural environment and the urbane comfort. Sofia was born in the pitoresque village. And as roots are kept intact, Jardim do Mar became more cosmopolitan as it attracted artists (writers, poets, painters), surfers and nature and tranquility lovers from all over.

Sunday 21 November 2010

Wicker basket toboggan riding



The Monte toboggan ride to Funchal downtown is perhaps one of the most famous of Madeira's tourist attractions.

Originally a fast means of transport down to Funchal for people living in Monte, these toboggan sledges appeared around 1850. Adventurous, yet safe, an ‘old-fashioned’ toboggan ride to make your way down from Monte.

It is one of those things that you simply must do when visiting Madeira. Indeed, the renown American author, Ernest Hemingway, wrote of his journey in the wicker basket toboggan sledge as the "most exhilarating experience" of his life.

And, it is true, you are unlikely to find a similar experience anywhere else on your worldly journeys.

The downhill journey to Funchal is made in about 10 minutes on a total course of 2 km, reaching at times a speed of 48 km/hour.

Still in use today, they attract thousands of tourists every year who want to make this exciting experience of sliding at high speed on narrow, winding streets down to Funchal. These two-seater wicker sledges glide on wooden runners, pushed and steered by two men traditionally dressed in white cotton clothes and a straw hat, using their rubber-soled boots as brakes.



Info from www.madeira-web.com and www.love-madeira.com
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