Now and Then

The English aristocracy introduced tobogganing in wicker baskets down the steep slopes of Madeira.

Today that experience is a tourist " must do". Hence we found ourselves hurtling down these hair- raising bends- with two young men either side acting as brakes. Except they took special delight in getting as close to the walls before turning away st the last second.

We had not intended to do this. In fact M and I were still debating whether the experience was worth £13 each when our guide, an officious middle aged woman ordered us to jump in.
She needed someone to start it off and we happened to be standing closest to the waiting baskets.

Was it worth it? Only to say "ticked that off the bucket list".