13  Rabaçal: The Waterfall of Rainbows

“Mia,” chirped Little Bird, “today you’ll meet my family! They live in a green paradise called Rabaçal.”

Mia packed her backpack with berries and followed Little Bird through Calheta and up winding mountain roads. As they climbed higher, wind turbines turned slowly in the distance.

“What are those, Little Bird?” she asked.

“Wind turbines! They make electricity from the wind—a clean, natural way to power the island.”

Mia nodded, impressed. Nature was truly magical.

They reached a hidden café nestled among the trees. From the balcony, Mia saw a canopy of green stretching as far as the eye could see.

Birds peeked from the leaves—tiny eyes, colorful feathers, and curious songs.

“This is my family!” said Little Bird, fluttering with joy.

The birds flew down to greet Mia, perching gently on her arms and shoulders.

“I brought berries for everyone,” Mia smiled, opening her bag.

The birds chirped with delight, nibbling sweet treats from her palms.

“They want to take you to Risco,” said Little Bird.

“What’s Risco?”

“A waterfall that sings with color. Come and see.”

Together, they followed a Levada path through mossy trees and over bubbling streams. The forest felt enchanted, alive with whispers and wonder.

Then Mia heard it—a deep, thunderous roar.

They turned a corner, and there it was: water crashing down a cliff in silvery sheets, a perfect rainbow arching across the mist.

Mia’s breath caught. “It’s… it’s like magic made real!”

“This is Risco,” said Little Bird. “It means ‘cliff’ in Portuguese. And today, it’s a waterfall of dreams.”

Mia twirled under the rainbow, arms wide, heart soaring.

Little Bird’s mother landed on her shoulder. “Thank you for being kind to our son. And thank you for loving our island.”

Mia smiled. “I always will.”