Beyond the open door (an ode to Auntie Denise)

On our very first trip to Paris in 1983, Kim's aunt Denise offered us some enduring words of wisdom. "A doorway opened, a gate unlocked, etc etc., is an open invitation to enter and discover what's inside (I may be paraphrasing here)".

We've taken this travel-tip to heart over the years, and have explored some interesting portals. None have been as rewarding, or "spiritually" moving, as our visit behind the small red wooden doorway of "the Ermita de Sant Baldiri" church, perched on a rise half way between Cadaques and Port Lligat (Spain).



This simple stone church was built in the early 18th century; 1702 to be exact, if one is to accept the engraving on the lintel of the main door. In the porch to the right, a simple red wooden doorway, slightly ajar, beckons us in.






Once inside, we discover the quiet cemetery which features raised vaults with marble and brick frontals. Besides the calm, nothing seems unordinary here until we come across the occasional customized decorations.




Southern France and northern Spain are well known for their excellence in ceramic arts. What's unique in this cemetery are the ceramic-tiled tomb frontals, hand painted and immediately quite personal. These touching works of art feature the family member in a personal setting, reminiscent of their past loves: fishing, gardening, or spending time with a family pet. Some scenes verged on the comical (happy?) and of course never are living family members pictured.







Without knowing these souls, we gathered their essence, and appreciated their remembrance. A positive experience, despite the loss the family must have felt.

DM