Dorothy noticed that there were no cruise liners in port today so it was a good day to take the gondolas up to the botanical gardens. A very saga-holiday thing to do, but the gardens were apparently worth a visit.

Opposite our hotel, just under the roof of a building some streets away is the following mural.

Immediately outside the hotel is the following sculpture.

I’ve no idea what either means and I’m even less clear as to the significance of the sculpture found immediately outside the gondola station.

Thoughts anyone?

The gondola trip itself was uneventful. It gives a fairly unique perspective on the geography of the area and simply accentuates the insanity of building on sheer slopes.

The botanical gardens were interesting. They cover some 25 hectares and are home to a collection of plants sourced from all over the world.

We’ve noticed a dearth of wildlife on the island. There are hardly any birds

apart from a small number of pigeons,

a tiny number of sheep and goats (5+2), three cows and three lizards – that’s been it. Wildlife has been noticeable only by its absence. I guess that pigeons aside, we’ve seen only four birds during our time here.

The following photo is of a Kapok tree, where the fruit is used for padding pillows, mattresses and upholstery and as an absorbent alternative to cotton in surgery.

We did manage to see a frog 😊

This place is a saga holiday dream destination and a harbinger of the future of the planet after we’ve pretty much wiped out our non human companions. All deeply, deeply depressing. This place should be a wake up call.

This is how they build on cliff faces.

We’re currently drinking red wine on the 7th floor of our brand new hotel. Take from that what you will.

Tomorrow we’re heading to the hills and hopefully solitude.

Bon outrage