I live in Bonfim, Porto. Close to the national theatre and Bolhao market. I chose to live in this neighbourhood because it felt familiar, balanced and fresh. I arrived as a stranger almost two years ago, having uprooted from my known life in France, and now feel part of an open hearted neighbourhood. I have neighbours who know me, care about me and contribute to my sense of belonging in a city I now call home. We are an eclectic bunch of indigenous Portuguese, Brazilians, English, Korean and all nationalities in between. We banter in as many languages as we have in our toolkit, and bring stories of how we washed up in this unique part of the city.

During the blackout in April 2025, Bonfim didn’t go into panic it went into quiet competence. All hands were on deck as we organised food, water, and supplies for those in need. The currency of community shone out. With calm strength - the things which needed to get done got done.

John O’Donohue the Irish philosopher wrote that:

“We enter the world as strangers who all at once become heirs to a harvest of memory, spirit and dream that has long proceeded us and will now nourish and sustain us. The gift of the world is our first blessing.”

Bonfim nourishes and sustains me. That’s her blessing.