Travel Notes, Vol. 1: Portland, OR

 

Alberta Street

Fun place to stroll, eat, and shop. Expensive boutiques, funky handmade clothes, eco-friendly shoes, gardening and home décor shops, art galleries, and Collage (www.collageonalberta.typepad.com) where a class on collage (natch!) was going on.

 

 We ate at Petit Provence (www.provence-portland.com). We figured it must be good since it was super crowded (inside) Sunday noon. {See the separate restaurant review posted 2/24/09}. We were too stuffed to try the pastries, but hope to return to check them out…possibly the location in Lake Oswego (15964 SW Boones Ferry Road).

The Grotto

This oasis calms us as we meander through it. Run by the Order of Servants of Mary, it’s open to the public during daylight hours. Begin on the lower level and follow the Stations of the Cross.

Various other artworks lead you to the grotto and outdoor altar. The altar is carved out of a high basalt cliff and includes a replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta. It is a dramatic setting.

I was entranced by the St. Peregrine Mosaic, since mosaics are one of my favorite art forms.

Next, go into the Gift Shop and purchase tokens to go up the 10-story elevator to the upper grounds.

Stroll around the beautiful gardens and enjoy the lovely religious art.

 

The monastery and the convent behind it house the Servite friars and the Congregation of Oblates of St. Martha from Saltillo, Mexico. I wonder what the oblates think of their change in climate!

The rose garden is probably magnificent in season. We were there in February and the grounds were green, but of course not much was blooming, other than a few bulbs.

The perfect end to your stroll is the Meditation Chapel. It is a gorgeous, modern glass-and-granite building wit comfortable chairs and an unbelievable view. What a marvelous place to sit and contemplate God’s wonders! Or to nap, as one man was doing. Even our talk and photography session didn’t rouse him.

If you are blessed with a pretty day in Portland and have time for an hour-long walk, head over to The Grotto and peace out.

www.thegrotto.org

Copyright 2009 Beth Schrader