Dawn Berkoski

Gaia: a Greek goddess known as Mother Earth. She gave birth to the mountains, sky, and sea, three diverse entities united by a common core.

Atop the hill, with a panoramic view of the blue sky, the life-giving Duoro River, and the Dom Luis I bridge that links Porto and Gaia, I felt that connective tissue, the blur between lines, that subtle space that connects different and same.

Fittingly, Gaia is the home of the famous Half Rabbit sculpture by Bordallo II, made from recycled material. It’s a vivid statement about environmental conservation and a stunning reminder that one man’s trash is another’s treasure. If you love art, history, and the unusual, Gaia is the perfect place to explore.

Of course I had to stop at the store, Portuguese Sardine, and see the colorful array of decorative sardine cans. Lunch was at Mercado Municipal de Gaia, a lively food hall. Afterwards, a port tasting at Calem and a gorgeous cable ride. The sun was high and so were my spirits.

Strangely, I didn’t see any green doors. Instead, I found a wooden door with an odd, circular symbol carved into the middle. It was the entrance to a small church. And it was open.

Some of the most interesting art pieces are hidden in chapels, synagogues, shrines, mosques, monasteries, and other venerated spaces around the world. Iglesia Parroquial de Santa MarinaI was one of those places, with azulejo Portuguese tiles and unique statues. I loved photographing the figure of Our Lady of Sorrows, with her vibrant purple gown and seven swords piercing her heart. To think I would have missed it, if not for that door.

So, even if you are a vampire and might burn up if you enter such a place, take my advice. It’s worth it. Just go inside! Think of Gaia and embrace the world. You never know what you’ll find.

Dawn B~