“Swan’s Neck Agave”

“Presépios” – Just a few of Madeira’s elaborate and zany nativity scenes

Apparently nativity scenes or presépios (literally translated it means “crib”) are a big deal in Madeira. They are also unique in that the menagerie presented often extends past the usual cast of characters to include figurines depicting local crafts people, or whatever else may strike the designer’s fancy.

The town of Santana is known for it’s traditional triangle-shaped thatched-roof homes, so the manger barn takes on a similar shape surrounded by a few miniature houses and gigantic farm animals.

At the volunteer fire station in Calheta they’ve created an expansive labyrinth of passageways that shunts the baby Jesus and his coterie into a side annex in order to give prominence to a wind farm and an animatronic search and rescue helicopter performing a daring mission on the high seas.

But it’s not just churches, town squares and municipal building where these mise-en-scène are to be found. Many homes erect roadside presépio to display their own whimsical interpretation of Jesus’ birthday reception.

At the roadside attraction pictured above, K-pop superstar Psy and one of the Thundercats can be found among the throng of figurines that have come to pay their respects.

“Castanhas” – Roasted chestnuts vendor, Funchal

“An Ode to the Balloon Santas of Funchal”

“Journey to the Valley of the Nuns“ – Curral das Freiras, Madeira, Portugal

“Madeira The Bountiful”

“Boas Festas (Merry Christmas)” – Dec 23 Night Market Celebration, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

“Christmas Shopping Madeira-style” – Mercardo dos Lavradores, Funchal, Madeira

“Familiar Squiggles”

This is my third time visiting the island of Madeira, and every time I’ve been greeted by the squiggly lines of the Funchal airport arrival hall’s calçadas.

“Lisbon Layover”

“Leisure Shade Larry” – Maple Leaf Lounge, Terminal 1, Pearson Airport

“When the Weather Outside is Frightful, A Heated Cat House is So Delightful”

“This Seat’s Taken”

“Hang In There, Garth”

“Waitin’ for The Drop”

“Marquee Man”

“Blue Riding Hood”

“Fawn & Doe”

“The Photoshoot Saga: Breaking Dawn”

“Capture Bluffer” – Running digital capture at the Scarborough Bluffs in wintertime

“In the Fold”

“Silk Wrinkle Phoenix”

“Shadow Box”

“Urban Tree Trim”

“Decked-out”

“A Slither of Daylight”

“Pink Palace”

“Interlocking Bricks and Glow Sticks”

“FlaminGlow”

“The Recluse”

“Bombay”

No, you’re not seeing double. We now have a second black foster cat, Bombay. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem all that thrilled about the presence of our original black foster cat, Garth. Maybe he’s just weirded-out by seeing his doppelgänger. Wouldn’t you be?