Fontainhas

By Kieran

 Quo Vadis, Fontainhas, Goa



Loose watercolor and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025, lamenting the tragedy befalling once magical Fontainhas, Panjim, Goa


Bairro das Fontainhas in Panjim, Goa, was once a quaint Latin Quarter
 
With a magical, ineffable ambience that transcends brick and mortar
 
 
With brightly painted houses in hues of pastel blue, green, and yellow
 
These well-preserved ancestral Portuguese homes seem quite mellow
 
 
The quaint name springs from “Fonte Phoenix”, a perennial spring of yore
 
But tragically all’s not well in this slice of Paradise, sadly not anymore
 
 
Today hordes of selfie-seeking tourists stampede through like bulls of Pamplona
 
Each seeking the perfect photo, posing like they are an Adonis or a Prima Donna
 
 
Gone with the wind, are common sense, respect for private property and even privacy 
 
Welcome to the gaudy world of instant gratification, modern day version of piracy

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stained Glass

By Kieran
Image
  Origin and Significance of Stained Glass Stained glass has ancient roots, but it became especially prominent during the medieval period, particularly in Christian church architecture. The earliest known examples of coloured glass date back to ancient Egypt and Rome used decoratively in windows and mosaics. In the 12th–15th century, stained glass became a hallmark of Gothic cathedrals in Europe, reaching its peak in France, England, and Germany.    Biblical Storytelling: In a largely illiterate society, stained glass windows illustrated scenes from the Bible saints’ lives, and moral lessons, serving as a visual scripture for the masses.    Spiritual Atmosphere: The interplay of light and colour symbolized divine presence, aiming to elevate the worshipper's spirit and represent heavenly light entering sacred space. Stained glass contributed to the aesthetic grandeur of cathedrals like Chartres and Notre Dame.  It influenced architectural design, as Gothic a...
Read more

Pope Leo

By Kieran
Image
  Pope Leo XIV On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Conclave of 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals elected a new Pope for 1.4 billion faithful, the  267th in the line of Pontiffs that dates back to St Peter, who was handpicked by Jesus Christ himself. [ Matthew 16:18 ] Before he was elected Pope Leo XIV, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Frost Prevost spent  much of his life outside the United States. Ordained in Rome in 1982 at age 27, he received a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also in Rome.  For the past two decades he was a missionary in Chilayco, Peru, serving as a parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan official.  Here he also became a naturalized citizen, then rose to lead his international religious community, the Order of St. Augustine. Under Pope Francis, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally. His deep connection to Latin America helped him gain a...
Read more

Blue Bird

By Kieran
Image
My homage to Azulejos - the striking white and blue ceramic tiles of Portugal.  The name 'azulejos' is derived from the Arabic word 'al zuleique', which means “little polished stone”. The tiles were originally brought to Europe by invading Moors in the 13th century - a style that employs flowing lines, stars, flowers, foliage, fruits and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines that can be tiled in endless combinations.   The art and history of azulejos have left an indelible mark on Portuguese culture and heritage. These vibrant and intricate tiles have adorned buildings, churches, and public spaces for centuries, captivating the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike.  The enduring legacy of Portuguese tile-making is a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to this art form throughout history. This is one of my compositions inspired by a window decal at...
Read more