Downhill, on a couch, on public roads.

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  • čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
  • The Monte Toboggans, in Funchal on the island of Madeira, are wicker sofas: a bit like the gondolas of Venice, only you're going downhill in regular traffic. More about them: www.carreirosd...
    Producer: Aitken Pearson firecrestindep...
    Assistant Producer: Elsa Gouveia
    Camera: Elton Cantoni
    Editor: Dave Stevenson davestevenson.c...
    🟥 MORE FROM TOM: www.tomscott.com/
    (you can find contact details and social links there too)
    📰 WEEKLY NEWSLETTER with good stuff from the rest of the internet: www.tomscott.c...
    ❓ LATERAL, free weekly podcast: lateralcast.com/ / lateralcast
    ➕ TOM SCOTT PLUS: / tomscottplus
    👥 THE TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES: / techdif

Komentáře • 2,1K

  • @TomScottGo
    @TomScottGo  Před 2 lety +13806

    I'm not sure if I need to add a "don't try this at home" disclaimer, but I will anyway: in the event you have your own wicker sofa, please don't speed down a hill in it.

    • @GradisDQ9
      @GradisDQ9 Před 2 lety +338

      Noted

    • @kkibi
      @kkibi Před 2 lety +100

      okay thanks for the tip!

    • @manlethamlet
      @manlethamlet Před 2 lety +222

      What if mine is made of leather?

    • @kahungchim6367
      @kahungchim6367 Před 2 lety +60

      I mean never underestimate the brainless of the interwebz

    • @SolisBetter
      @SolisBetter Před 2 lety +173

      Weekend plans ruined.

  • @cessactdm
    @cessactdm Před 2 lety +9757

    I'm actually from Madeira (Porto Santo Island, the little yellow island next to Madeira Island) and you can't imagine my sheer excitement that you were here and found this tourist attraction good enough for a video. thank you so much for the publicity and recognition. love your videos.

    • @nene_blimboblambo
      @nene_blimboblambo Před 2 lety +139

      Ainda tou a tentar digerir o facto de que ouvi sotaque madeirense num vídeo do Tom Scott hehe Abraço!

    • @uaadshjllbfgngfmhthp
      @uaadshjllbfgngfmhthp Před 2 lety +103

      That makes two of us! Such a delight to know that our little pearl made an appearance in a Tom Scott video! I hope you enjoyed your time in our island, Tom!

    • @TAVOOOH
      @TAVOOOH Před 2 lety +14

      @@uaadshjllbfgngfmhthp agora 3

    • @valinho1059
      @valinho1059 Před 2 lety +25

      I'm portuguese and I didn't even knew this existed! Ahah

    • @francesatty7022
      @francesatty7022 Před 2 lety +10

      I've been to porto santo!! I spent a lot of time on the long beach

  • @coenogo
    @coenogo Před 2 lety +5187

    Ah, so this WASNT just some fever dream!
    I’ve always had a memory of sliding down a hill on a chair/couch/sofa in a warm place, but could never recall more than that. Suddenly, with this video, it’s all clicked back into place!

    • @nene_blimboblambo
      @nene_blimboblambo Před 2 lety +520

      It's very funny to me, being from Madeira, to think that someting I've always considered a reality was fuzzy memory on someone else's mind!

    • @pattheplanter
      @pattheplanter Před 2 lety +54

      Had you partaken of the wine called Madeira?

    • @Kombivar
      @Kombivar Před 2 lety +22

      I bet it was a hell of a mind blow!

    • @eldoprano
      @eldoprano Před 2 lety +2

      Same

    • @Mountain413
      @Mountain413 Před 2 lety +29

      Maybe in your past life you lived on Madeira

  • @simaoe1942
    @simaoe1942 Před 2 lety +4803

    As a Madeirian, I can confirm that I am absolutely chuffed to bits that TOM SCOTT did a video on our little island. Just Incredible

    • @ccccrrrrraaaaasssshhhhh
      @ccccrrrrraaaaasssshhhhh Před 2 lety +16

      It's incredible, it's amazing

    • @AllAmericanGuyExpert
      @AllAmericanGuyExpert Před 2 lety +22

      I take it that _chuffed_ is something like _happy_ ?

    • @Not_so_Jinx
      @Not_so_Jinx Před 2 lety +72

      @@AllAmericanGuyExpert yes 'chuffed to bits' means happy or more like pleasantly surprised here cuz they weren't really expecting Tom to do a video.

    • @tubeymcdee
      @tubeymcdee Před 2 lety +22

      It was the real Tom Scott too.

    • @louschwick7301
      @louschwick7301 Před 2 lety +45

      @@tubeymcdee depends on how far they've developed the robot

  • @captainslow181
    @captainslow181 Před 2 lety +1757

    Something interesting, that you didn‘t mention (and I learned it by driving up the exact road you drove down), in Madeira is right-hand traffic, however due to these rides, this specific 2km of road is left-hand drive, so theres just an intersection with a sign saying „From now on left hand drive“

    • @vascomanata
      @vascomanata Před 2 lety +7

      olha, não sabia dessa!

    • @sonosus
      @sonosus Před 2 lety +43

      That could be a video in itself

    • @nxone9903
      @nxone9903 Před 2 lety +33

      he's a brit of course he'd miss it out

    • @nbgoodiscore1303
      @nbgoodiscore1303 Před 2 lety +1

      Eu conduzo nessa ilha e eu não fazia ideia. Vou ter cuidado na próxima!

    • @ptasptasznick9305
      @ptasptasznick9305 Před 2 lety +8

      Also the asphalt is so slippery that if you drive up and want to turn through tobbogan lane it's advisable to gather speed and go fast. If you stop on it you'll have a hard time moving off from there.

  • @JDsVarietyChannel
    @JDsVarietyChannel Před 2 lety +8025

    If this wasn't such an elaborate operation I would think it was satire. King Tom Scott has a good ring to it!

    • @Blue.Diesel
      @Blue.Diesel Před 2 lety +40

      ive been there myself, its very real indeed

    • @nedludd7622
      @nedludd7622 Před 2 lety +53

      It does make me think of an Onion News report.

    • @Bob-nc5hz
      @Bob-nc5hz Před 2 lety +45

      It makes perfect sense, sledding payloads down hills and mountains was a relatively common occurrence before mechanised transports (cf the Schlitte in the vosges, used to bring down wood from the heights as well).
      Good on these people for having found an interesting way to keep their sledges alive.

    • @bmo14lax
      @bmo14lax Před 2 lety +14

      @@Bob-nc5hz yup you said it best. Really cool these guys were able to make a attraction out of it.

    • @NabeelFarooqui
      @NabeelFarooqui Před 2 lety +3

      Could easily be an April fool's

  • @karibellamy661
    @karibellamy661 Před 2 lety +1962

    I was one of those tourists that didn't research things to do in Madiera, and didn't know this was a thing until I saw them flying past me on the street... it was a definitely a "what the actual F**k?!" moment

    • @My_Lyfe
      @My_Lyfe Před 2 lety +78

      “I’m a giraffe!” Springs to my mind

    • @Vatharian
      @Vatharian Před 2 lety +30

      @@My_Lyfe I CAN'T SLOW DOWN!!!
      EARL!!!

    • @elSethro
      @elSethro Před 2 lety +13

      Same. I do regret not trying it once we saw it, though!

    • @ToyKeeper
      @ToyKeeper Před 2 lety +8

      It looks like a lot of fun. Will definitely have to try it if I ever get the chance.

    • @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
      @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Před 2 lety +2

      @@My_Lyfe "Say Madeira!"

  • @nova.lumina
    @nova.lumina Před 2 lety +906

    The ride doesn't go down back to the sea (only to about half way from the start), so you either have to walk (ca. one hour), take the bus (has a 10 minute cycle, €2), or a taxi. But beware that there are some taxi drivers who try take more than the fixed price of €10 (check the sign at the end station for the official price); make sure to ask for the price beforehand. The bus station is right next to the taxi line.
    The bus is also a good option to go uphill. The cable car is obviously a good tourist attraction, though.
    Also: You can save some money by sharing the ride with another person; there's a separate queue for single tourists.

    • @Tricia_K
      @Tricia_K Před 2 lety +19

      Thanks for the info - and the caution! :)

    • @Great_Olaf5
      @Great_Olaf5 Před 2 lety +4

      Wait, is that a fixed price for the taxis regardless of distance, or per since distance, or do they just have a limited allowed range? Or are they subsidized so the prices they charge don't directly matter?

    • @HTOP1982
      @HTOP1982 Před 2 lety +11

      @@Great_Olaf5 Some point 2 point runs have fixed prices. Not all.
      But it's also a lovely walk back to the sea if you want to. probably about one hour.

    • @Great_Olaf5
      @Great_Olaf5 Před 2 lety +3

      @@HTOP1982 Ah, thanks for clarifying. I have a tendency to wonder about the economics of public transit in other places, since I know a part of the reason the local stuff is so poor is because we don't have the population density to pay for it.

    • @applegal3058
      @applegal3058 Před 2 lety

      It would be free to walk it too if you're physically fit enough I guess too

  • @masterjacke20
    @masterjacke20 Před 2 lety +1347

    As a portuguese, with family in madeira, I'm extremely thrilled to see this on your page! Thank you Tom!

  • @captainevenslower4400
    @captainevenslower4400 Před 2 lety +838

    Throughout this whole video I thought "neat idea, but it must suck to haul that thing back up this steep mountain" and then I got gently reminded that lorries exist.

    • @kirstineguldagermadsen3317
      @kirstineguldagermadsen3317 Před 2 lety +96

      They didn't in the old days! You can see old photographs of the men carrying them up on their backs

    • @antiphon000
      @antiphon000 Před 2 lety +6

      wtf is a lorrie

    • @JonasTisell
      @JonasTisell Před 2 lety +8

      @@antiphon000 Google? Its a trailer you attach to the car

    • @FarikoUnited1
      @FarikoUnited1 Před 2 lety +35

      @@antiphon000 Its the British term for just about anything one would call a truck in the US.
      "A motorized wheeled land vehicle, esp. a large one, with a cab for the driver and a separate rear compartment for transporting freight; called truck in the U. S."

    • @divaagarpavalakumar6714
      @divaagarpavalakumar6714 Před 2 lety +9

      @@antiphon000 its lorry

  • @mikemhz
    @mikemhz Před 2 lety +228

    One summer, when we were kids, my friend and I had two spare skateboard decks. We had the genius idea of going to the hardware store and nailing some rubber straps to turn the decks into 'snowboards'. Except there was no snow; we used them to bomb down large hills of dry grass - 'grass-boards' if you will.
    It was epic.

  • @nate_river_
    @nate_river_ Před 2 lety +680

    I love old traditions like this, it's one of the big things that makes travel and exploring worth doing. I hope the good people of Funchal can continue to do this forever.

    • @PsRohrbaugh
      @PsRohrbaugh Před 2 lety +14

      Yes! Thank you! It's so boring when the world is homogeneous.

    • @kakyoindonut3213
      @kakyoindonut3213 Před 2 lety +4

      Who invented this? It's so stupid it's genius

    • @VocalMabiMaple
      @VocalMabiMaple Před 2 lety +13

      @@kakyoindonut3213 the people who transported wood and the kids who thought it would be fun to ride it probably. They talk a little bit about how it started in the video

    • @MB-st7be
      @MB-st7be Před 2 lety +2

      You can imagine how hard the EU is trying to legislate this out of existence so everywhere is the boring same.

    • @soundscape26
      @soundscape26 Před 2 lety

      @@MB-st7be If they didn't by now they won't ever do it. I don't think the EU has much power over these local attractions anyway.

  • @blackoutlol2857
    @blackoutlol2857 Před 2 lety +322

    Having to replace the soles of your shoes from running with a couch is the most hilarious problem I’ve ever heard brought up completely seriously.

    • @miguelvpires
      @miguelvpires Před 2 lety +29

      I was actually shocked the soles of the shoes lasted that long, thought they would go through them in a couple of descents.

    • @TomOConnor-BlobOpera
      @TomOConnor-BlobOpera Před 2 lety +70

      They actually look like their shoe soles are cut from old car tyres, which if that's the case, is phenomenal recycling.

    • @brunoais
      @brunoais Před 2 lety +18

      @@TomOConnor-BlobOpera They actually are.

  • @Donly1pt
    @Donly1pt Před 2 lety +668

    My surprise seeing a Tom Scott video in my home town Funchal about the "carreiros do Monte". Hope you enjoyed your stay :) Bonus fun fact: Madeira has one of the biggest pyrotechnic shows in the world. The Madeiran tradition of letting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve began during the 18th century, when the British community living on the island had their own fireworks displays to mark the new year. A century later, the Madeiran banker João José Rodrigues Leitão resurrected the tradition, and from then on the island’s wealthiest families began to compete with each other with their displays, leading to a pyrotechnic display that could be seen from far and wide. In 2006 this show gained international recognition when the Guinness Book of Records officially recognised it as “the world’s largest fireworks display”.

    • @BenHutchinson92
      @BenHutchinson92 Před 2 lety +18

      Nice! Tom get down there again for New Years!!

    • @zeruzio1345
      @zeruzio1345 Před 2 lety +23

      Loving all these locals coming out of the woodwork to share fun facts about the area.

    • @AwesomeGaming26
      @AwesomeGaming26 Před 2 lety +10

      I've been only a few times for new years (from madeira but live in england) and it's absolutely incredible

    • @JW-zx5dr
      @JW-zx5dr Před 2 lety +1

      I was surprised to see him in my home town, in one of his videos a few years ago. (There again he HAS been all over England)

    • @raydunakin
      @raydunakin Před rokem

      I would love to see that!

  • @ProjectZombiecraft
    @ProjectZombiecraft Před 2 lety +198

    My grandfather use to work there and this melted my heart, I really appreciated this video thanks Tom!

  • @TheMetakev
    @TheMetakev Před 2 lety +409

    I've been living here in Madeira for 5 years now and known about the basket cars for ages yet never tried them, seeing how much fun Tom is having, I might have some plans for the weekend.

    • @esaedvik
      @esaedvik Před 2 lety +10

      What's it like moving there? How's the rent, if you do rent?

    • @marcoslays
      @marcoslays Před 2 lety +4

      definitely do!

    • @brunoais
      @brunoais Před 2 lety +6

      @@esaedvik In most of the Island (except the most contested part of Funchal, the capital) it's one of the cheapest places in EU. Both housing and prices. However, jobs also pay way less too. It's a good alternative to Algarve in the main land

    • @XMysticHerox
      @XMysticHerox Před 2 lety

      @@esaedvik It´s cheap enough that many people build mansions and stuff there who probably couldn´t afford that in most other places. Though prices have gone up a lot in the past few decades.

  • @saal_templus
    @saal_templus Před 2 lety +654

    Portuguese person here! I'm from the continent, but have been to Madeira and this is one of my fondest memories of the entire trip. It's definitely unique and super cool.
    Also, I love your videos and it's incredible to hear your own native language in one of them, Portugal is an amazing place, and I hope you'll explore some of the other weird attractions we have in a future video.

    • @polobik4231
      @polobik4231 Před 2 lety +7

      viva ao sporting caralho

    • @totallynotana
      @totallynotana Před 2 lety +2

      Gosto do orgulho que temos pelo nosso pais

    • @famelga-yt
      @famelga-yt Před 2 lety +3

      Portugal! 🇵🇹

    • @xadrezparaidosas
      @xadrezparaidosas Před 2 lety +6

      Sou Brasileiro mas ainda sim ouvir português vindo do Tom Scott é bem inesperado kkkkk

    • @ultaedits5751
      @ultaedits5751 Před 2 lety +3

      encontrei-vos! boa tarde, e bom 25 de Abril!

  • @JimmyJamInAMiniVan
    @JimmyJamInAMiniVan Před 2 lety +265

    I know a lot of time tourism can destroy the heart of a place through over tourism, but I am glad that it helps to keep these traditions alive, its a piece of history which should be kept alive.

  • @skymotel2
    @skymotel2 Před 2 lety +656

    I took this ride. It was great fun. It didn’t feel dangerous at all when you consider I had travelled to Madeira in a gravity defying metal tube miles up in the sky.

    • @nicksharpe7924
      @nicksharpe7924 Před 2 lety +57

      Not forgetting Funchal has one of the shortest, trickiest landing strips in the world.

    • @njones420
      @njones420 Před 2 lety +16

      @@nicksharpe7924 A cat-C no less... one of 7 or 8 in Europe.

    • @Donly1pt
      @Donly1pt Před 2 lety +33

      Landing in Madeira with cross winds.. once you survive that, everything else is a walk in the park.

    • @Liggliluff
      @Liggliluff Před 2 lety +32

      Except that flights have a lot of automated systems, heavily regulated, being monitored at all times, and keeping all planes separated. You don't overtake planes or come close to them.
      This is on a public road, with intersections. They can likely stop it quickly. But it's certainly not as safe as an airplane. Still looks rather safe, since the staff there is running it, and not letting the passengers go unsupervised.

    • @DaveDexterMusic
      @DaveDexterMusic Před 2 lety +5

      does the gravity defying metal tube in the sky often come within five feet of other metal tubes whilst defying gravity?

  • @everywone6715
    @everywone6715 Před 2 lety +48

    I'm actually amazed no one's proclaimed the magic phrase for every video of a Portuguese endeavor explored and explained by a foreigner, so here it goes:
    PORTUGAL CARALHO!

  • @osku8548
    @osku8548 Před 2 lety +627

    I went to Madeira in October of 2019 and I'm really happy that you made a video about this. Brings up the good memories. Thank you Tom.

  • @nathanieldixon5906
    @nathanieldixon5906 Před 2 lety +136

    It is crazy how polished the road has become in some of those spots because of how much they have done it

    • @florianschlosser1100
      @florianschlosser1100 Před 2 lety +16

      I was wondering if all the grease they smear on the road isn't a problem for cars breaking.

    • @Pystro
      @Pystro Před 2 lety +3

      @@florianschlosser1100 There might be more wood dust than grease on that road.

    • @Maob08
      @Maob08 Před 2 lety +23

      @@florianschlosser1100 there's the sea at the bottom. It cushions the fall

    • @picklypt
      @picklypt Před 2 lety +18

      Used to go up that road by car everyday for 9 years. It’s not a problem at all.

  • @rollin340
    @rollin340 Před 2 lety +185

    It's amazing how such a random thing was kept up and looks to be doing well to this day. Never would have known about this sofa ride if it weren't for this video.

  • @MinistryOfMagic_DoM
    @MinistryOfMagic_DoM Před 2 lety +129

    Tom is just living his best life and I'm here for it.

  • @Zebraworm-fj6kn
    @Zebraworm-fj6kn Před 2 lety +46

    I took a vacation to Madeira in 2018 and got to experience this. It was honestly one of the most fun things I have ever done!

  • @Michaelonyoutub
    @Michaelonyoutub Před 2 lety +113

    I am from Canada and it reminds me of sledding. Dogs sleds are made in a similar fashion and are controlled similarly with people standing on the back like the guys controlling the sled in the video. The sofa style of the sled also reminds me of an old horse pulled sled that my great grandfather built and used to get to church in the winters when my grandfather was a child.

    • @duskstorm3560
      @duskstorm3560 Před 2 lety +2

      Seems human innovation really has its parallels. After all, its as the saying goes, "great minds think alike."

    • @njalsand133
      @njalsand133 Před 2 lety +1

      Besides, siding comes very natural to any human

    • @duskstorm3560
      @duskstorm3560 Před 2 lety

      @@njalsand133 do you mean sliding or sledding?

    • @njalsand133
      @njalsand133 Před 2 lety +3

      @@duskstorm3560 both, because we're very prone to fall down slippery slopes and kids loves to do it on purpose when there is snow.

    • @cbrboy76
      @cbrboy76 Před 2 lety +7

      Here in england we do the same sort of things with shopping trolly's, handles quite the same,but you can only do it after 8 pints of strong beer.

  • @LazarouDave
    @LazarouDave Před 2 lety +302

    Ayyy, something Tom's covered that I've actually already done, twice in fact.
    If you ever find yourselves in Madeira, do this, it's definitely worth it, just for the unique experience alone.

    • @ThiefOfNavarre
      @ThiefOfNavarre Před 2 lety

      I loved madeira. So much to see!

    • @duskstorm3560
      @duskstorm3560 Před 2 lety +4

      @kathan I believe the commenter may have done this twice, not had this occurrence twice.

  • @0ptera
    @0ptera Před 2 lety +60

    I recommend visiting Madeira in spring.
    Everything is blooming even more gorgeous and the walk from the the ride end to the city center or harbor is much nicer.

  • @DanielBoeFlex
    @DanielBoeFlex Před 2 lety +61

    Really neat that the toboggans seem to have polished the asphalt itself, you can see reflections in it at several point in the video, like at 1:53 for example.

    • @BrendanBeckett
      @BrendanBeckett Před 2 lety +6

      Wouldn't that make them slippery for cars?

    • @michelritsema
      @michelritsema Před 2 lety +1

      I have been on these road and didn't notice tbh. But i haven't been there when it rains.

    • @milesedgeworth132
      @milesedgeworth132 Před 2 lety +2

      I think that's the grease.

  • @haydenwills21
    @haydenwills21 Před 2 lety +36

    I remember doing this while I was on holiday, it was so much fun, the guys who took us down were a good laugh aswell, really made it a good memory

  • @qu1nn7885
    @qu1nn7885 Před 2 lety +919

    I loved this in madeira. Ive gone to the island every year since i was born- even during covid- and its honestly amazing. the "speeding sofa" scared both me and dad but it was really fun hundred percent recommend madeira for your holidays
    theres been controversy over whether it should say ‘in madeira’ or ‘on madeira’. firstly, when i say madeira i refer to the 2d area marked on a map. additionally, it would be improper to say that the houses of parliament are on london, however the houses of parliament are in london would be correct. apply the same logic to a tourism shop in madeira- that is my point

    • @thejumper7282
      @thejumper7282 Před 2 lety +2

      Isn't it on Madaira?

    • @qu1nn7885
      @qu1nn7885 Před 2 lety +13

      @@thejumper7282 no its located in the portugese island of madeira

    • @DanianDL
      @DanianDL Před 2 lety

      Are you me

    • @qu1nn7885
      @qu1nn7885 Před 2 lety +4

      @@ragnkja its subjective

    • @qu1nn7885
      @qu1nn7885 Před 2 lety +3

      @@ragnkja yeh i agree with that all i dont know how you were lead to believe i was challenging any of those facts

  • @realjohnjones
    @realjohnjones Před 2 lety +66

    France has the tower, Egypt the pyramids and Madeira has the sofa

    • @MrJJandJim
      @MrJJandJim Před 2 lety +5

      Street sofa, you mean

    • @realjohnjones
      @realjohnjones Před 2 lety +1

      @@MrJJandJim Yes "the sofa"

    • @MrJJandJim
      @MrJJandJim Před 2 lety +3

      @@realjohnjones I wonder if it's possible to do this in the US... Then again, there'd probably be to much momentum for 2 skinny dudes to try to stop...

    • @realjohnjones
      @realjohnjones Před 2 lety +1

      @@MrJJandJim Go for your dreams brotha

    • @MrJJandJim
      @MrJJandJim Před 2 lety

      @@realjohnjones You're right.. No guts, no glory, no safety, hold my beer!

  • @Sukigu
    @Sukigu Před 2 lety +94

    I'm Portuguese myself but I've never been to Madeira and I had no idea about this attraction over there. Seems super fun!

  • @lunavixen015
    @lunavixen015 Před 2 lety +57

    That looks insanely fun!
    If I ever get the chance to travel there I want to do this!

  • @Philippadrinkstea
    @Philippadrinkstea Před 2 lety +15

    Oh my gosh I loved doing this as a kid, I have a distinct memory of one of the guys pushing my sofa losing his hat halfway down, highlight of the holiday! Epic 😁

  • @kingwesleythegreat
    @kingwesleythegreat Před 2 lety +149

    Definitely trying this at home.

  • @Shiny_Hunter_Rob
    @Shiny_Hunter_Rob Před 2 lety +4

    Really nice to hear someone speak Portuguese in a video...

  • @CryogenTheMusicMan
    @CryogenTheMusicMan Před 2 lety +308

    I've really got into your stuff lately. As a beginner coder, you really are an inspiration, and I've been enjoying watching all of "The Basics". Keep it up, and have a good day!

    • @nicreven
      @nicreven Před 2 lety +9

      good luck in your journey!
      programming's really fun.

    • @NesrocksGamingVideos
      @NesrocksGamingVideos Před 2 lety +6

      Wait.... What? I must have missed something.

    • @KusaneHexaku
      @KusaneHexaku Před 2 lety

      @@NesrocksGamingVideos missed what

    • @wyrmhand
      @wyrmhand Před 2 lety +7

      @@NesrocksGamingVideos Tom did a good one about what to think about when coding how many seconds there are between too times, The Problem with Time & Timezones - Computerphile

    • @Michael75579
      @Michael75579 Před 2 lety +5

      @@wyrmhand There's also one about the problems of internationalisation with a similar tone, and another one about Unicode and the cleverness of UTF-8 encoding.

  • @xandysaid
    @xandysaid Před 2 lety +11

    Next video on levadas is my bet.
    Now used as tourist attractions, walks always accompanied with a little water path, but it was made to transport water from the north side (where it rained a lot), to the south where the sun was out and crops could grow faster.
    Also Poço das Neves, a 'iglo fridge' used to produce ice for the English hotels downtown in Funchal. The ice blocks would be transported in these types of carts down the streets 1.8km up

  • @whitemountain_
    @whitemountain_ Před 2 lety +6

    What a joy when Tom Scott comes to Portugal, and the video goes up on the 25th of April no less! Hope you enjoyed it, Tom!

  • @SemiHypercube
    @SemiHypercube Před 2 lety +22

    "and...there aren't any seatbelts" Things just got 10x more intense with that sentence alone

  • @inespires5108
    @inespires5108 Před 2 lety +34

    thank you for making such an amazing video about the island, and releasing it on our national freedom day! dont know if it was on purpose or just a coincidence, but its very appreciated

    • @Rodasboyy
      @Rodasboyy Před 2 lety +4

      Se foi timing foi do caraças. Adoro quando CZcamsrs vêm a Portugal ver o que temos para oferecer 😍

  • @ninjabiscuit1095
    @ninjabiscuit1095 Před 2 lety +50

    One of my best memories from my trip to Madeira years ago, genuinely feels like you're speeding down once they get some momentum going, would recommend madeira as a trip to anyone

    • @Pedro-ss2qr
      @Pedro-ss2qr Před 2 lety

      Açores is also really good if you like nature, geology or cool landscapes in general

  • @codnewbgamer
    @codnewbgamer Před 2 lety +451

    I refuse to believe all the gondolas successfully made it back up the hill. No one pulled on a ratchet strap and said that's not going anywhere

    • @izabeau1953
      @izabeau1953 Před 2 lety +30

      The gondelas go back up on trucks, not by hand, thy wait till the truck is full and then take them back up. There is lots of adventure on our Island. You can’t do and see everything in a week. 😊

    • @markusp9569
      @markusp9569 Před 2 lety +48

      @sqwoodle you have to slap the load two times after for that to work

    • @ersetzbar.
      @ersetzbar. Před 2 lety +9

      Dont you have to say: "this cant possibly go wrong, no way the load will fall and result in a final destination sequel" for it to work?

    • @Liggliluff
      @Liggliluff Před 2 lety +10

      That part was cut

    • @markwright3161
      @markwright3161 Před 2 lety +9

      @@Liggliluff I hope not, the strap is a vital part to holding everything on :)

  • @srtweeds1592
    @srtweeds1592 Před 2 lety +1

    My favourite place on earth!! Been every year since I was born xx

  • @hannahkat9722
    @hannahkat9722 Před 2 lety +8

    I went on this a couple of years ago and I 100% recommend it - fast and exciting enough to get an adrenaline rush and tame enough that it's absolutely fine for kids (and cowards like me). If you find yourself in Madeira its a must do!

  • @aisadal2521
    @aisadal2521 Před 2 lety +53

    This is the kind of thing you'd do in chaos simulators; kinda neat you can do it in real life now 😮

  • @kkibi
    @kkibi Před 2 lety +10

    tom scott needs to be in the next super smash bros

  • @EmperorsTeeth
    @EmperorsTeeth Před rokem

    I loved visiting Madeira now and again when I was a kid. Have great memories of riding these a few times!

  • @Immortal..
    @Immortal.. Před 2 lety +170

    One question remains unanswered: If they use grease to make the sleds glide smoother over the road surface will that not make the asphalt more slippery for any other road user aswell? Im thinking about bikes, motorcycles or with those steep hills maybe even cars

    • @PlanckRelic
      @PlanckRelic Před 2 lety +58

      It might if they use a lot of grease. On a motorcycle you have to be careful of grease spots that accumulate over time at intersections because they can be slick, moreso if it's been raining. The locals would certainly know if the sledding hill gets slick in the rain.

    • @tiarkrezar
      @tiarkrezar Před 2 lety +94

      I mean look at how shiny the road looks, you can clearly see the exact path that the sleds take.

    • @Maob08
      @Maob08 Před 2 lety +59

      Don't worry. The sea helps to break the fall

    • @picklypt
      @picklypt Před 2 lety +86

      I used to go up that road by car for 9 years every day. I also walked there sometimes. I can tell you that it’s not a problem at all. Maybe by foot it’s a tiny tiny tiny bit slippery , but with the velocity they achieve , it’s all they need, and it’s completely safe for everyone.

    • @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721
      @vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Před 2 lety +5

      @@Maob08 I'm imagining a car running amok and then just SPLASH.

  • @frenato00
    @frenato00 Před 2 lety +9

    Lets go Madeira! Thank you Tom, for sharing a bit of our traditions. It really means a lot seeing our corner of the world in one of your videos. I hope you enjoyed your stay on our little island.

  • @erinpennington19
    @erinpennington19 Před 2 lety +1058

    So this is legal in Madeira, but flying a kite in a public place in the UK is apparently too dangerous 😂

    • @GumSkyloard
      @GumSkyloard Před 2 lety +94

      What can I say? Us Portuguese folks love the danger.

    • @ludere222
      @ludere222 Před 2 lety +258

      we flew a kite in a public place.

    • @martiddy
      @martiddy Před 2 lety +12

      Maybe it could be only dangerous during an thunderstorm. But besides that, I don't see how it could be dangerous.

    • @jhonbus
      @jhonbus Před 2 lety +47

      @@ludere222 Ha, I heard the music :)

    • @chrisjones5411
      @chrisjones5411 Před 2 lety +110

      @@ludere222 We flew a kite in a puuubblic place.

  • @heichan8657
    @heichan8657 Před 2 lety +25

    I can imagine someone lost their sofa in a storm and was like "Hey this looks like a fun way to get tourists in!"

  • @andrewince8824
    @andrewince8824 Před 2 lety

    Looks fun, all the speed of a gentle DH flow line and all the comfort of a sofa.

  • @backyardbasher
    @backyardbasher Před rokem +3

    Interesting to see how shiny the road is due to the polishing effect of the toboggans.

  • @joyphobic
    @joyphobic Před 2 lety +10

    Tom Scott and Places That Are Very Cool To Visit On Holidays

  • @martincaveney7601
    @martincaveney7601 Před 2 lety +29

    Been to Madeira a couple of times and this is a must, plus since you’re there Tom, will you be covering the amazing Levada’s irrigation system?

    • @aretorta
      @aretorta Před 2 lety +9

      This would be amazing, there's a lot of engineering and history to that system, from the tunnels to the small clock towers used to tell time to distribute the water.

  • @guilhermek32
    @guilhermek32 Před 2 lety +76

    Here in Brazil we have something similar called "Carrinho de rolimã" where you get on a wooden cart and go down the streets in a similar way. I wonder if they are related! As always nice video Tom.

    • @abacaixi
      @abacaixi Před 2 lety +9

      Pensei na mesma coisa quando ouvi o som do sofá descendo. Ia ser daora botar o Tom pra descer um ladeirão de asfalto tendo só a fé como segurança kkkk

    • @loganandremueller
      @loganandremueller Před 2 lety +8

      Ta faltando um video do Tom no Brasil

    • @theweakestbrazilianmale3398
      @theweakestbrazilianmale3398 Před 2 lety +7

      @@loganandremueller "Eu estou aqui, sendo roubado em são paulo, um dos mais comuns passa tempos da cidade"

    • @tiagogomes3807
      @tiagogomes3807 Před 2 lety +2

      This Cars have no wheels and the steering is made by the pilots pushing or braking their side of the car.
      They have very few in common with the "carrinho de rolimã" wich also exists in Portugal and is used just for fun mostly by kids

    • @fraufuchs9555
      @fraufuchs9555 Před 2 lety +1

      @@tiagogomes3807 in Brazil it's also used just for fun by kids. I've never seen an adult using it.

  • @iceduarte
    @iceduarte Před rokem +2

    My honeymoon was in Madeira and we got to experience this downhill ride. Honestly, it was one of the most fun things we have ever done! Never for a moment we felt danger or anything close to that. If we return to Madeira (which we loved it), we will ride it again.

  • @Ian-Hall
    @Ian-Hall Před 2 lety

    This brings back memories, My mam and I did this around 27 years ago. So much fun we hit a ford fiesta, nobody hurt so just continued. No health and safety then, Or now by the looks of it, never changed. Brilliant fun.

  • @goofus000
    @goofus000 Před 2 lety +11

    I haven’t watched the video yet… and I have so many questions.. this is gonna be good

  • @guyfrompoland1358
    @guyfrompoland1358 Před 2 lety +5

    I've been to Madeira like 6 months ago, and absolutely LOVED IT, but didn't get chance to ride those

  • @belix8801
    @belix8801 Před 2 lety +4

    Ungespielt ich habe an dir rumgespielt

  • @kathybramley5609
    @kathybramley5609 Před 2 lety

    Charming and like a soapbox race with a very different sort of charm!

  • @frommyashesrisenrebornredemed

    Madeira is gouuuuuurgeous......i loved the sledge ride... Best vacation ever.

  • @ThisCharmlessMan
    @ThisCharmlessMan Před 2 lety +22

    Ive been there and watched people take part, it looked kinda cool but there was a huge queue so I didn't go on it, and I was only in Funchal for a day.

  • @chafadog
    @chafadog Před 2 lety +7

    + I'm sorry sir but we have to take your sofa
    - I will never move from here!
    + Ok.

  • @JameXdubz
    @JameXdubz Před 2 lety +12

    PORTUGAL CARALHO!!!
    Hi Tom, love from Portugal

    • @d3x7r0
      @d3x7r0 Před 2 lety +3

      Came here for this, not disappointed

  • @SmallBlogV8
    @SmallBlogV8 Před 2 lety

    1) Another expertly timed ending.
    2) The toboggans have made their stretch of tarmac incredibly smooth, which must help them but would be somewhat unhelpful in heavy rain for cars and possibly shoes also.

  • @Pehr81
    @Pehr81 Před 2 lety +2

    The road looks polished!

  • @nickauclair1477
    @nickauclair1477 Před 2 lety +7

    I love how random this channel's subject matter is. Very entertaining.

  • @daandanx
    @daandanx Před 2 lety +6

    Oh wow, only thing you need now is a Leyland Mini under the thing and you're good to go!

  • @Flightcoach
    @Flightcoach Před 2 lety +3

    Madeira, "the island for newly weds and nearly deads" as it was once described to me. But it has this going for it. Awesome. Found a reason to get married, thanks Tom!

  • @rjdp3
    @rjdp3 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for discover Portugal 🇵🇹

  • @gamigem
    @gamigem Před 2 lety +2

    Tom I don't know how you do it, but your video's are actually as well timed as possible, the toboggan car reaching the bottom of the hill as you were explaining it is just absolute genius

  • @nightwolfMKT
    @nightwolfMKT Před 2 lety +5

    I've been on this! It's a lot of fun, and not really something you could do anywhere else in the world since Funchal is one big hill.

  • @bchurch19
    @bchurch19 Před 2 lety +6

    Not to detract from the toboggans, they're a lovely traditional, novel bit of fun, but they're one of the least interesting things about Madeira! The entire island is an absolute stunning marvel! I love that place.

    • @DiogoStuart
      @DiogoStuart Před 2 lety

      Appreciating one thing doesn’t exclude appreciating all things. This is a funny little odd thing and that’s why it got highlighted.

    • @bchurch19
      @bchurch19 Před 2 lety +1

      @@DiogoStuart I agree. Which is exactly why I said 'Not to detract from the toboggans, they're a lovely traditional, novel bit of fun'. Please read and understand before pointlessly trying to start an argument.

    • @vascopinheiro5152
      @vascopinheiro5152 Před 2 lety

      @@bchurch19 proceeds to say “one of the least interesting things about madeira”

    • @bchurch19
      @bchurch19 Před 2 lety

      @@vascopinheiro5152 Correct. Relative to a lot of Madeira, it is. In Isolation, it is not. Yet another muppet that needs to engage his brain before pointlessly arguing 🙄

  • @tiureiji
    @tiureiji Před 2 lety +14

    Here in Brazil it's common for kids to make small wooden karts and ride downhill in the streets kinda like these (they're called "rolimã"). I wonder if there is some correlation.

    • @motttta
      @motttta Před 2 lety +7

      Carrinho de Rolamentos, in Portugal. A lost tradition here. Was big in the 60s and 70s.

  • @carlosalmeida4797
    @carlosalmeida4797 Před 2 lety

    Tom Scott in Portugal amazing ... Carrinhos de rolamentos

  • @jacquelines3685
    @jacquelines3685 Před 2 lety

    Loved this!!! My husband & I had a Ball!!!! We were in Madeira 3/2022. Can't wait to go back!!❤️❤️❤️

  • @Wetcat135
    @Wetcat135 Před 2 lety +5

    Ive tried this i was on vacation with my family in 2019-2020 i spent new years there
    Me and my uncle tried this together it was great fun

  • @speleokeir
    @speleokeir Před 2 lety +15

    This was like watching an episode of 'Last of the Summer Wine'!😄
    N.B. There's lots of fun things you can do with a sofa. The various caving clubs in the Mendips have a tradition of playing a game called 'sofa rugby'. It's a bit like the Eton wall game but played indoors in one of the caving huts (bunk houses) and with a sofa instead of a ball. The sofa doesn't usually last the game. It's best played after a night in the pub!🤪

  • @IchiHishi
    @IchiHishi Před 2 lety +3

    To muito a fim de ir nesse lugar em Portugal!
    I'm dying to go to this place in Portugal! :D

  • @enzovernille3800
    @enzovernille3800 Před 2 lety

    So good to hear Tom Scott saying "Obrigado " 😁

  • @andrewdavies3091
    @andrewdavies3091 Před 2 lety

    Madeira is a paradise! Glad you're there and having a good time. It's where I'd like to retire to

  • @Jamwefd
    @Jamwefd Před 2 lety +4

    tom scott in a sofa.

  • @All4Tanuki
    @All4Tanuki Před 2 lety +7

    I sorta hoped for a bit more history to this!! How did such an unusual practice get started? Is it older than motor cars? If so, how did they return the toboggan to the top? Time to go digging, I 'spose!

    • @tiagogomes3807
      @tiagogomes3807 Před 2 lety +1

      Originally they were used to transport rich people, mostly English, from their Villas in the mountain to downtown Funchal.
      They pulled the cars uphill carring people inside.

  • @LadyAnuB
    @LadyAnuB Před 2 lety +4

    So how do the toboggan men get back up the hill? Walk? Van ride? Cable Car? Run?

  • @BlackSwordMihawk369
    @BlackSwordMihawk369 Před 2 lety

    I've always found it funny how polished the road's become after years of wood sliding down on them. You can see the sky reflected on it

  • @Vinemaple
    @Vinemaple Před 2 lety +1

    Also, thank you for the interview segment with the guy speaking in -Balearic Islands Catalan- Madeira Portuguese... I have heard so many fascinating dialects in your videos, and that's always a treat to me!

    • @kkfoto
      @kkfoto Před 2 lety

      Uh, the guy is speaking Portuguese

    • @Vinemaple
      @Vinemaple Před 2 lety +1

      @@kkfoto Thanks for reminding me to fix that... I was getting Funchal mixed up with Puerto Mahon.

    • @kkfoto
      @kkfoto Před 2 lety +1

      @@Vinemaple You're welcome. Thanks for your nice reply :)

  • @Ramen.Studios
    @Ramen.Studios Před 2 lety +38

    I want to see the reaction of tourists who aren't aware of this tradition 😂

  • @bsbebbdf4146
    @bsbebbdf4146 Před 2 lety +23

    Was there a week ago
    The hill was so steep that our car broke down
    It looks very dangerous

    • @blueredbrick
      @blueredbrick Před 2 lety +6

      Did you see many sofas zipping by? 😜

    • @skrimper
      @skrimper Před 2 lety

      A steep hill doesn't make a car break down, your breakdown was unrelated lmao. Unless you fried the clutch while trying to go up it. Then that's your problem though

    • @bsbebbdf4146
      @bsbebbdf4146 Před 2 lety

      @@skrimper so frying your clutch and not being able to move doesn’t count as breaking down? Not sure I follow your logic here

  • @daandanx
    @daandanx Před 2 lety +5

    Didn't know Tom was Mr. Bean

  • @LWmusik
    @LWmusik Před 2 lety +2

    Oh this brings back memories, went on a madeira couch ride when I was 5 years old. Super scary and really fun

  • @comicfan3133
    @comicfan3133 Před 2 lety

    This Video Wakes memories when i was there with my familia. It was definetly a lot of fun.

  • @milkywaywithinternetaccess346

    Looks like the type of thing you would do if you are bored

  • @jaypee112233
    @jaypee112233 Před 2 lety +4

    Unge und Kai Pflaume Vibes

  • @VincentGroenewold
    @VincentGroenewold Před 2 lety +11

    I always tend to avoid these things, way too touristic for my taste. :) But yes, that’s Madeira, if you want to practice how to use manual transmissions on a hill… look no further.

  • @wafupaul3731
    @wafupaul3731 Před 2 lety

    "Last of the Summer Wine" springs to mind!

  • @whyjnot420
    @whyjnot420 Před 2 lety

    I watched this with a big grin on my face. idk why, but I just love that this exists.