Upstairs Downstairs?

Did a halfday tour to Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley). Drizzling on and off.

Lunch at A&N before they go home tomorrow.

"19 km away from Funchal, at an altitude of 633 meters and surrounded by high mountains, there is the village of Curral das Freiras.
The name Curral das Freiras, which means Nun's Valley, was given when nuns from Funchal found shelter and a hiding place as they had to escape the city which was under attack by French pirates.
Back then, the nun's used a hidden walking trail.
It was only in 1959 that a road large enough for a vehicle was built. The road finds its way curling on the sides of the stief mountains. Despite some narrow passages and the deep ravines, the road looks safe and should not be a problem.
There are quite a lot of chestnut trees is this area. Given that people on Madeira always used to live from what nature gives them, the main product of the locals here is chestnuts.
Chestnut cake, chestnut liquor, chestnut soup... everything in Curral das Freiras is about chestnuts.
The local liquor, Ginja, is prepared from cherries or chestnuts. Tourists can try both tastes in the many small cafés in the village. Of course, Ginja can be bought as a nice and tasteful souvenir.
Inhabitants of Madeira appreciate what nature gives them.
Therefor Curral das Freiras celebrates the yearly chestnut festival, each 1st of November."