Finding Buddha in Portugal

We have been trying to manage the uncertainty – the anxiety -- of waiting for notification regarding the status of our applications for temporary residential visas in Portugal. We have put all our eggs in this basket, but we have no idea if those eggs will fall through the holes, smashing our hopes like Humpy Dumpty. Describing the waiting, one immigrant to Portugal stated, “I’m pretty sure Dante covered it in one of his levels of “hell.”

For me, the best remedies for anxiety include nature and art. We found both at the Buddha Eden Peace Garden about 40 minutes from our home here.

In 2001 the Taliban shocked the world when it blew up the 2500-year-old Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan. Billionaire art collector Joe Berardo was inpired to create a garden of peace and meditation at one of his vineyards in Portugal. He commissioned hundreds of Buddha statues that are exhibited across 86 acres around a lake, ponds, and small rivers.

Buddha Eden Garden of Peace is Europe’s largest Asian garden and the continent’s largest collection of Buddhist statues. Note my small stature in front of the reclining Buddha.

Berardo expanded the vast outdoor exhibit to include sculptures relating to other religions and some contemporary works by world-recognized artists.

I found this huge sculpture of mosaic tiles stunning. I could not find artist names or other information on many sculptures. My next trip will include more research.

Since walking the extensive gardens, I have found comfort in re-visiting in my mind those smiling Buddhas, laughing Buddhas, and serene Buddhas.

We return to the States on Wednesday to visit family, to vote, and to await the decision on our visa application.

If you want to chat, you may call or text on our US phones (435 area code) from October 27 through November 17 (maybe longer). We would love to hear from you.

Love and Peace,

Penelope and Tim